Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda in Nyanga
AYAN Beisenbayev of Kazakhstan is the favourite to win the men’s elite race in the Bonaqua African Triathlon Cup Troutbeck to be held at Troutbeck Resort today.
Beisenbayev, who is ranked 67th in the world, won the race in 2016 and has returned gunning for the top prize.
Yesterday, the 25-year-old was optimistic of doing well in what he described as a tough course since Troutbeck is more than 2 000m above sea level.
“I am feeling good, I am feeling stronger and hope to win tomorrow. The race will be hard because the altitude is very high, more than 2 000m above sea level, it’s not easy, but I hope for a win,” Beisenbayev said.
Other athletes in the men’s elite race are from Luxembourg, Kenya, Namibia, Niger and Morocco and South Africa.
In the women’s elite, Zimbabwean Greer Wynn is going up against the South African duo of Bridget Theunissen and Hannah Newman, who are both Under-23.
Another Zimbabwean female triathlete, Makanaka Mawere, who is competing in the junior elite race, is expecting a difficult race because of the Troutbeck course.
“The conditions, the high altitude and the hills on the run and the bike will be quite difficult, so I am not expecting it to be an easy race, but I am excited about it,’’ Mawere said.
Mawere, who has just returned from a rotator cuff injury, is under lots of pressure to deliver at home. The 17-year-old represented Zimbabwe in the Africa Triathlon Championships held in Egypt in June.
“I feel the pressure, especially since it’s at home, and everyone is watching and expecting a lot, but I also have a lot of pressure that I put on myself just to do well as a sportsperson,” she said.
Mawere is one of two Zimbabweans taking part in the junior women’s elite with Jessica Fuller.
Kira Ribbink from South Africa is back to defend the title she won last year.
In the men’s junior elite race, Zimbabwe will be represented by George Ascott, David Knox and Marcel Paulser. — Follow on Twitter @Mdawini@1982
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