adminSisa Sihwa
FLYING Eagles Cycling Club has begun preparations of the 22nd edition of the Volta de Bulawayo competition to be held in city next month.
The organisers said the annual event has been slated to run from 13 to 15 October and preparations are now in full swing.
According to the head of the race’s organising committee, Crispen Kazingizi, the first stage of the race will be a 1,5km Prologue sprint that will start at 16.00hrs on the first day of the Volta. On the following day stage two will be an 80km Elite Category race that will start at 0630 hrs and will be contested by cyclists over 18 years and the 60km race comprising of masters, veterans, ladies and juniors.
On the same day, the Elite Category will compete in the Crit race which will commence at 14.30hrs. During this stage competitors will cycle timed laps that will include a five lap, 30 minute race and 20 minute plus three laps. The final day will see the cyclists compete in a 120km challenge for the Elite and 80km for the Masters, vets, ladies and juniors.
Kazingizi said the preparations are at an advanced stage and registration has begun.
“The preparations are progressing as planned and everything is now in place for the Volta. Registration has begun and we are now waiting for the participants to sign up,” Kazingizi said.
The chairman of Flying Eagles Clifford Kee-Tui said he is expecting a large number of cyclists to participate in this year edition of the Volta de Bulawayo.
“We usually have a huge turnout from Bulawayo riders, but this year we are worried that the present economic conditions might negatively impact the number of locals who register to participate. I however, would like to encourage as many riders as possible to come and take part in this race,” Kee-Tui said.
Kee-Tui also said they were expecting a strong contingent of cyclists is from Harare alongside riders from Gweru and Zvishavane. The national mountain and road bike national champion Nkululeko Dube is also expected to compete.
The participants at this year’s event are the Under-18 and 23 age groups, the elite, masters, vets, ladies, juniors as well as the social category which will be open to everyone.
Online Reporter