Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere in Zvishavane, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE eighth edition of the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke came to a colourful end yesterday in Zvishavane, capping three days of competitive cycling that tested endurance, determination and teamwork across the country’s mining belt.
In the elite category, which featured 17 riders, Amos Sibindi emerged champion after outpacing a strong field that included Andrew Chikwaka and Rodrick Shumba, who finished second and third respectively.
Veteran cyclist Nkulumo Dube, still recovering from a recent car accident in Botswana, impressed with a fourth place finish, while Emmanuel Dzawanda completed the top five in the gruelling 103km race.
“It all needed endurance and the winds made it hard for us to complete this race,” said Sibindi. “We kept on pushing each other.”
In the masters category, Honest Mugiya triumphed over fellow Mimosa rider Nkululeko Moyo in an 82km contest that stretched from Nyama to Mimosa Mining Company.
The juniors also lit up the tour, with Nyasha Murindini, Tinashe Temera and Prince Tichareva claiming the top three places in the 20km boys’ race.
“I’m happy about this. It didn’t come easy but I believed in myself. I’d like to thank the organisers for such an idea. Cycling helps us keep fit,” said a delighted Murindini.
In the girls’ division, Juliet Jasi stole the spotlight, finishing not only as the top female but also as the overall best junior rider after crossing the line ahead of Tichareva.
“It’s always pleasing to achieve this,” said an ecstatic Jasi.
“After all, I was kind of competing with boys. I’ll keep working hard. This tour has been tough but it’s taught me a lot about wellness.”
Cycling Zimbabwe technical delegate Mennard Chekayi hailed the event’s success and the growing acceptance of the sport.
“It was a wonderful three days of cycling, and we’re happy that cycling is being talked about more. The sport has been demystified.
“This can help put the country on the world map, and it was pleasing to see the tour end with such competitive races,” said Chekayi.
Tour founder Munyaradzi Hwengwere, praised the riders for their commitment to cycling for charity and thanked all partners who supported the event.
“We are not stopping but moving forward. The cyclists continue to show great commitment to cycling for charity. We say well done. Ending the competitive races at Mimosa was significant because we were also helping them celebrate 100 years of mining,” he said.
The tour began on Thursday morning at Selous, flagged off after a colourful send-off at Zimparks. Riders then passed through Chegutu, Kadoma and Kwekwe before resting in Gweru.
On Friday, they continued through Shurugwi to Unki Mine (Valterra Platinum), where they rested again before embarking on the final stretch to Zvishavane under cool skies. Locals lined the streets to cheer the immaculately dressed cyclists as they completed their final lap of a memorable journey.
