Professional cyclists want to go international

Blantyre Cycling Club (BCC) Sunday shined at a jam parked Chitowe Stadium where two of its members dominated first prizes in men professional categories getting home with best prizes of the day.

Nazombe receiving his prize

BCC showed their expertise during this year’s Tour de Dwangwa event where 12 cycling categories participated.

One of the best professional cyclists under drop bike category Steve Nazombe went away with K120, 000 and a dongle after successfully covering the distance of 80 kilometres ahead of other participants.

Nazombe, 37 said he was convinced with the prizes because they were better comparing to last year’s awards where most of the participants complained to have spent more and received less than what was expected.

He asked government and other interested partners to assist the cycling sport saying that going international would be a step forward for them.

“It is high time government took cycling seriously like a sport. Illovo is the only sponsor which takes us to Cape Town, it is high time other partners including government assists us so that we compete with international cyclists at often times,” the cyclist pointed out.

Nazombe attributed his success to practice and hard working.

“I have worked hard and trained excessively to get through this tough competition. My desire is to train more. Last year I came third despite having my bike letting me down twice during the competition, that was when I realized I had potential hence I trained tirelessly,” he explained.

Nazombe added that the type of training BCC does is so hard such that it is not easy for them to be beaten by members from some cycling clubs.

“We normally train along Chikwawa road which is hilly and full of meanders. This helps us to be fast and alert,” he explained while adding that it was the third time he became position one during the Tour de Dwangwa event.

Misi Kathumba from BCC took first position under mountain bike professional category and went away with K 100, 000 plus a dongle.

Projects Officer for Round Table 69, a non-governmental organisation for young men which sponsors Tour de Dwangwa, Mayamiko Malenga said this year’s event was the best with improved prizes and patronage.

“Many people witnessed this event, an indication that we planned very well. We promise that next year’s event will be even better than this,” he said.

Malenga attributed this year’s low turn up for women participants to the prizes they gave last year but was quick to say that next year will be different because they expect more sponsors to come forward.

In the category of professional women under Mountain Bike, only three ladies registered and two finished the race.

Violet Mwanza from Mzuzu Cycling club dominated the women professional category and received K100, 000 and laptop bag.

Loveness Madikhula from Dwangwa Cycling club who took the second position said women are shunned when it comes to prizes hence losing interest in the sporting activity.

“In my case I have received K 80 000 for being a runner up in my category while a man who got second from men’s category got the same cash plus dongle,” concerned looking Madikhula said.

40 companies including Illovo, Tnm, NICO, Tamara safety Products and Universal Trading Company supported the event.

Tour de Dwangwa event has been occurring annually since 2004 with the aim of entertaining the people living around Dwangwa. It is also used as a way of fundraising to assist the underprivileged living around Dwangwa community.

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