Date set for Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke

DATES for the seventh edition of the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke cycling event have been set with over 300 cyclists and enthusiasts set to ride from Selous to Zvishavane over three days.

Moses Charedzera, the spokesperson for the organisers confirmed in an interview with Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday that the popular annual event will take place on November 7-9.

“Dates have been set for what we believe will be another gem of an event. Preparations are underway and we are looking at over 300 cyclists up from more than 200 last year. The event is growing with each year and we hope to have a great time on the road as well as during the stopovers in the towns and cities,” said Charedzera.

He confirmed that they had managed to retain principal sponsors Nedbank for the event.

“Once again Nedbank are our principal sponsors and we are celebrating their continued support,” said Charedzera.

He also said three major mining companies were again partners and sponsors.

“We are grateful to Zimplats, Mimosa and Unki Mines who once again have partnered the major sponsor Nedbank,” said Charedzera.

On the first day of the 328km cycle event, riders will depart from the Selous Zimplats plant and stopover in Chegutu and then spend the night in Kwekwe.

The first leg of the three-day event will be the longest as it is 141km.

“The first day is the longest that they will cycle, so they will ride for 141km and stop over in Chegutu and Kadoma before spending a night in Kwekwe as we celebrate the legacy of the mineral rich Great Dyke belt that stretches from the south to the north of Zimbabwe. It is a belt rich in the platinum group of minerals that include chrome, gold, platinum and iron ore,” said Charedzera.

On November 8 the riders will cycle to Unki Mine in Shurugwi, a distance of 98,6km with stopover in Gweru and Shurugwi town.

The final day will take the group to Zvishavane where the tour ends with prize giving. On this leg they will do 88,5km.

“There will be spot prizes in Kwekwe and the final spot Zvishavane where we will reward the most supportive, youngest and oldest cyclists. There will also be some surprise prizes to make the days colourful and memorable for everyone,” said Charedzera who added that this year’s competition is expected to be more exciting.

He said the event is also meant to promote wellness along the belt.

“For miners to be able to do their work and bring life-sustaining ores or minerals to the surface, they need to be physically fit. Being in good health promotes productivity,” said Charedzera.

Proceeds from the event which is a charity ride will benefit the Gifted Children Foundation a Zvishavane-based institution which takes care of schooling needs of over 100 beneficiaries from primary school to university.