More Than a Sponsor: How M&G Investments Powers the PE PLETT Experience
M&G Investments isn’t just a sponsor — they’re a true partner.
For the past seven years, their commitment has helped grow PE PLETT into one of South Africa’s most sought-after 4-day mountain bike stage races — consistently selling out its 250 rider entries for the last six years. While most sponsors offer branding or funding, M&G Investments goes far beyond — actively shaping the experience, growing the community, and helping the event evolve year after year.
In 2024, M&G Investments renewed its title sponsorship through to 2027 — a long-term partnership that embodies their belief in long-term thinking, bold ideas, and #IntelligenceConnected. Their involvement touches every aspect of the rider journey, from world-class amenities to purposeful innovation.
Thanks to M&G Investments, riders have come to love signature touches that elevate PE PLETT from a race to an experience:
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The Out and Back Day, which allows two nights in one village, adding comfort and easing logistics.
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The Tour, a non-competitive ride option with open chutes and supportive Ride Guides — bringing together both social and competitive riders on the same route and schedule, fostering a more unified and vibrant event culture.
Historically, PE PLETT alternated its route direction each year. But in 2026, we’re keeping the same format as 2025 — starting at the world-class St Francis Links Golf Estate. This not only cements the opening day as one of the most beautiful on the calendar, but it also sets the tone for a 280+ km journey that eases in difficulty as the days progress, culminating at Nature’s Valley Rest Camp.
Meet Mark Pretorius, Digital Marketing Manager at M&G Investments and an integral part of the M&G PE PLETT team. Since joining in November last year, Mark has played a key role in ensuring top-quality event garments, impactful activations, seamless marketing materials, and smooth event operations.
New Features Brought in by M&G Investments since there first event, some 8 years ago.
Boost Bar – A shot of caffeine, a shot of confidence — riders refuel with freshly brewed coffee just 5km from the finish line, thanks to M&G’s signature Boost Bars on every stage.
Race Pack and Prizes – M&G has upped the game. Race packs now valued at R3,000 per rider — plus R10,000 Unit Trusts and luxury lodge getaways up for grabs in the prize pool.
Pillow Drops – End each day with a surprise. From Groove Tools to DripDrop hydration and power banks — M&G spoils riders with premium pillow gifts that elevate the entire experience.
Smoothie Bar – Three fresh blends. One epic reward. After each ride, M&G’s Smoothie Bar fuels recovery with nutrient-packed, custom smoothies served at the finish.
M&G’s support also extends into the wild: as the new title partner of Tour de Addo, they now help raise over R250,000 annually for the SANParks Honorary Rangers, directly funding critical conservation efforts across South Africa’s national parks.
With a proud legacy of sold-out editions, rider-first innovation, and a partnership grounded in purpose, the M&G Investments PE PLETT is more than a stage race — it’s a showcase of endurance, community, and #IntelligenceConnected.
Participants in the M&G Investments PE PLETT can once again look forward to exceptional value for money in 2026. Each rider receives a premium race pack — a signature feature of the event — including high-quality items like jackets, long sleeve tops, caps, socks, bags, and riding jerseys, with a combined value of around R3,000.
The M&G Boost Bar, located near the end of each stage, delivers a much-needed energy lift in those final kilometres. And with our signature no-wallet policy, riders can expect daily surprises, thoughtful gifts, and the chance to win a R10,000 unit trust voucher on the final night.
Crossing the finish line is met with more than just applause — riders are handed cooler bags filled with fresh lunches, receive personalised plaques featuring polaroid finish-line photos, and are part of a celebratory wrap-up that honours every accomplishment. Altogether, these inclusions offer value of approximately R5,000 on top of the riding experience itself, making the R10,000 entry fee a worthwhile investment.
As we gear up for 2026, the team is hard at work refining every detail. Route Director Jacques Steenkamp is exploring new ways to elevate the riding experience across the Garden Route while preserving the elements that make PE PLETT truly special.
Entries for 2026 are now open — secure your spot early and avoid upcoming price increases!
