B-Metro
Raymond Jaravaza
EIGHT local riders are set to take to the pedals with thousands other cyclists from around the world in the Discovery 94.7 Ride, in what is regarded as one of the biggest cycling events of the year, in , tomorrow.
It’s the first time that a Bulawayo riders club will be taking part in the Discovery 94.7 Ride, which attracts between 20 000 and 30 000 cyclists.
Founded less than two years ago, Bulawayo-based cycling team UniMills Hokoyo Cycling Club sent six cyclists for the event and teamed up with two riders from Tswaira Cycling Club to form what will be known as ‘Team Zimbabwe’ at the annual race.
“The idea behind joining hands with Tswaira Cycling Club is to foster good relations with other cycling clubs around the country for the betterment of the sport and together will be representing Zimbabwe at the Joburg race,” said UniMills Hokoyo Cycling Club founder and sponsor Davis Muhambi.
Muhambi says he was grateful for the support that the team received from individuals and corporates as the local riders take on some of the best cyclists in the world at an international stage.
“We received R20 000 from Greens Supermarket and a generous friend of ours Edward Gwekwete who is based in the Cayman Islands donated US$4 000 for supplementary diet for the riders. Marvin Masoka also loaned us a bike that one of our riders will use for the race.
“Such generosity is really appreciated and it is through such acts of kindness that we will grow the sport and propel our riders to greater heights,” said Muhambi.
In an unfortunate event, the team was involved in a minor accident when the mini bus they were travelling in was hit by another vehicle in the streets of Johannesburg.
“It was a minor accident; the boys were shaken but they are good to go and are raring for the race. The morale is good and they are geared to make the country proud,” he said.
The Discovery 94.7 Ride is a 94-kilometre race staged in Johannesburg and attracts riders from as far as the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy among other countries.
