ZVISHAVANE – A gruelling 550 km cycling race which was organised by YA FM started on October 02 and ended on October 06 with a total of 20 cyclists participating.
The tournament was sponsored by a number of companies including Mimosa platinum mine, Makanaka Investments, Seed-Co, ZimAlloys, GML Explosives, Unki platinum mine and Met Bank.
Participants cycled from Darwindale all the way to Zvishavane, with 22-year-old Andrew Chikwaka of Bulawayo winning the first prize followed by Advocate Phiri and Nkulumo Dube who came second and their respectively.
“I am so grateful to the organisers of the event and I urge them to keep up the good work which motivates us as young people to showcase our talents,” said Chikwaka.
All cyclists won cash prizes, hampers and medals to thank them for their efforts in the rigourous race, which is in its third year now.
Amongst the cyclists was Portia Chitendere, who was the only female cyclist in the tournament. She managed to complete the tough race regardless of the enormous temptation to quit in face of the big obstacles along the way.
Speaking to TellZim News after the race, Chitendere, a Harare-based mother of three who developed a passion for cycling while at St Michaels High School, said it was not an easy race but she endured the pain due to the extreme love she has for the sport.
“I am extremely honoured for the opportunity to take part in this cycle race as a representative of all other women out there. I am grateful for the support I got from different quarters and from my family,” said Chitendere, who is a member of the Ghetto Cyclists.
She walked away with many prizes including a trophy and $500 from the Minister of State for Midlands Province, Larry Mavhima, who presided over the presentation of prizes to the cyclists.
Chitendere also got $50 from GML explosives and a humper from Adam Bede Furnishers.
Mavhima thanked the organisers YA FM and all the sponsors for promoting cycling as a sport, saying he hoped the tournament will grow.
“I hope that next year this tournament is going to be a national event which will include cyclists from as far as Hwange,” said Mavhima.sport
