At VBKOM, we work to improve the world, not to conform to it – your dream is an opportunity we believe in. Which is why we were so inspired by the story of Robert Synders, a man whose commitment to making possibilities a reality spoke to the very heart of VBKOM. So much so that we decided to sponsor him for this year’s Absa Cape Epic.

Every year the route changes, leading participants through approximately 700 kilometres of the Western Cape’s unspoilt countryside, including approximately 15 000 metres of climbing over some of the most magnificent passes in South Africa.

Furthermore, participants can expect dusty and demanding gravel paths, strenuous rocky uphills, thrilling technical downhills, magnificent river crossings and stunning forested single tracks.

VBKOM – Robert Synders

This year, VBKOM has assisted with sponsorship for Robert Synders – a man with an amazing story.

Robert is a qualified architect who 6 years ago was in a near-fatal motor vehicle accident where he broke his arm, leg and ruptured his aorta. Only 1% of patients survive an aorta operation. During the post-procedure Robert’s heart stopped 3 times and at a stage his brain was without oxygen for almost 5 minutes. Additionally, he had to undergo a skin graft to help his leg recover.

He was told his chances of recovery were given very slim and doctors indicated that he would either be blind or have a mental disability due to his prolonged heart stoppage and lack of oxygen to the brain. Post operation he was in coma for more than 2 weeks and lost more than 30kg of body mass.

He recovered miraculously but has lost all feeling / sensory nerves in his one leg.

During recovery, he spent 15 months in a wheelchair and had to relearn how to walk again and write with his other hand. Due to the extent of his injuries, Robert had to undergo an extended rehabilitation programme in Port Elizabeth. He has since kept a close relationship with both his nurse and physician.

Since then he has been on the road to recovery. As part of his rehabilitation, he took up mountain biking – an understandably enormous undertaking considering his condition. And he flourished.

Robert has done a number of races, of which the JoBerg2C is one of them. Now, 6 years later, he has entered the Absa Cape Epic, an arduous challenge spanning 700 kilometres of demanding gravel paths, strenuous rocky uphills and thrilling technical downhills.

He has made way through the time-trial prologue, a strenuous day 1 and is now working his way through day 2 of the route. 

Good Luck Robert!

The entire VBKOM team is standing behind Robert, inspired by his ability to turn dreams into reality. We wish him good luck in all his future endeavours.