Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER five-time Zimbabwe cycling champion Nkulumo Dube is back on his bike just two weeks after a brutal crash in Botswana. The 39-year-old had his first light ride on Wednesday, determined to return to competition in time for the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke, which begins next week in Selous and concludes on Saturday in Zvishavane.
Dube has long served as tour captain for the event, acting as a vital link between organisers and cyclists. His comeback follows a terrifying fall during the 140km MMG Khoemacau–Lake Ngami Cycle Classic in Maun on October 15. He sustained deep cuts and injuries to his left elbow, shoulder and leg, and underwent surgery to remove foreign objects embedded in the wounds.
“I crashed about 35 to 40 kilometres into the race but managed to get up and ride to the finishing line, though I couldn’t make it to the podium. There was a foreign body on one of my elbows, which was extracted and I was sutured, have a number of stitches. There was also another foreign body on my knee, but after they cut so much flesh looking for it after seeing it on the scans, I stopped them from continuing,” said Dube.
Witnesses said Dube, bloodied and bruised, refused first aid at the scene and insisted on completing the race — proof of the resilience and discipline that have defined him both as a soldier and a cyclist.
Despite the pain, he has already begun easing back into training.
“Just started training today with an easy 75km, but the shoulder is still painful. I can’t lift heavy objects or twist it at certain angles, and I can’t cycle comfortably on rough terrain,” he said.
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He is scheduled to have his stitches removed today and hopes the procedure will ease the pain in his knee, which continues to trouble him when applying pressure through the pedals.
“I’m still feeling pain on my knee when applying pressure, but I’m hopeful I’ll be ready to complete the Tour de Great Dyke,” he added.
Dube also has his sights set on another race in Botswana on November 16. The veteran cyclist expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Zimbabwe National Army School of Sport, Khoemacau Cycling Club, Saduf (Botswana), Steven Sweetmen, James Freeland, Naah, Crosby Mashiri, Kelvin Nicholson, Paul Denslow, Linda Warren, his family and friends for their support throughout his recovery.
