11 Feb 2014

A Zimbabwean 150 km national cycling champion, Bright Chipongo has commended local cyclists for their sterling performance behind the carbon frames.

Speaking on the sidelines of the annual Wharic cycling challenge on February 8-9, Chipongo said local cyclists were ready to participate in international competitions.

“They have determination, patience and endurance. They now need to set their sights on international challenges and I am sure they will excel,” said the 26-year-old Harare-based cycling sensation.

Chipongo was beaten by Bernardo Ayuso in an intense 108km race that saw the runners hitting two loops of 54km in drizzling showers. The fresh breeze and early morning showers that swept through the Mankgodi hilltops set the tone for what proved to be a spectacular race.

Last year’s winner, Victor Potgieter led the pack during the first 10km of the race, followed closely by Sean McCormick and Hezekiah Sibanda, who closed in when a pack of about 20 riders crossed over at Metsimaswaane River.

Ayuso’s plans to tear away from the pack were nearly undone when he encountered a flat tire. But he dusted himself up at the beginning of the second loop and countered on the Mmankgodi steep slope where a few riders began to drag behind.

A lot of riders showed maturity in the somewhat flat and predominantly straight 40km course towards the Kanye T-junction.In the end it was Ayuso who won the race, trailed closely by Chipongo. Potgieter got in third while McCormick came fourth.

Another Zimbabwean national Alek Musariri came charging in at fifth position. Off road sensation Jabu Tabulane was fifth while Botswana Railway’s Boipuso Masepe wrapped up the top six. Ayuso registered an impressive 2hours 47 seconds, a huge improvement from the 3hours 4 minutes clocked by Potgieter last year. ENDS