ZIMBABWEAN elite mountain biker Stacey Hyslop has launched a R530,000 (US$32,000) sponsorship drive to fund her push to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
A campaign proposal seen by Standard Sport outlines a two-year racing calendar built around accumulating UCI points and sustaining momentum toward LA2028. Hyslop competed as a Paris 2024 Olympic qualification athlete and is currently listed among athletes chasing LA2028 qualification.
"My goal is to represent Zimbabwe at the highest level and inspire the next generation," Hyslop told Standard Sport.
"I am looking for sponsorship/partners who can help me to reach my goal of competing in LA2028 Olympic Games and in turn promote your brand across the world over the next two years."
The two-year budget is anchored by a European racing block costing R255 000 (US$15 400), covering World Cup starts, international travel, accommodation, vehicle rental, coaching support and UCI race entry fees.
"Competing in Europe is essential to gain UCI points and experience against the best in the world," Hyslop said.
"The goal is to race World Cups and the World Championships to put Zimbabwe on the map."
Other budget lines include the African Continental Championships, the South African Cup Series, Namibia Cup races and the Zimbabwe National Championships, alongside equipment and bicycle upgrades, sports science and medical support, training camps and preparation races, and a contingency fund.
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That 2026 allocation covers flights, 16 nights' accommodation, coaching services, and vehicle rental and fuel.
A biokineticist and endurance performance specialist by profession, Hyslop lists competing in European UCI races and World Cups, the African Continental Championships, the South African Cup Series, Namibia Cup events and the Zimbabwe National Championships among her season objectives.
Her CV lists her as African Continental XCO Champion, Zimbabwe National Champion and a multiple UCI World Championship qualifier.
In 2026 she has already claimed the African Continental Championships XCO and XCC Elite Women titles, along with podium finishes at the KZN Marathon and the SA Cup Thaba Trails Elite Women race.
To fund the campaign, Hyslop is offering three corporate partnership tiers: a Gold "Title Olympic Campaign Partner" package at US$6 500 with naming rights, primary kit branding and a corporate speaking engagement; a Silver "Performance Partner" tier at $4 000 with three spots available; and a Bronze "Campaign Supporter" tier at US$1 500, also with three spots available.
Benefits across the tiers include kit placement, social media features, product integration and community activation.
Hyslop, who is based in South Africa but races under the Zimbabwe flag, says the campaign runs in two phases.
"Phase 1 from June to September covers South Africa and Europe. Phase 2 in October focuses on Zimbabwe with national championships and community youth events," she said.
Beyond racing, Hyslop said she wants to use the campaign to develop the sport at home.
"I wear many hats beyond being an athlete. I am a coach, a mentor, a biokineticist and a community advocate," she said.
"I want to give back through youth cycling clinics in Zimbabwe in October."
