Times Of Swaziland: INYATSI SWAZI FRONTIER IN TOP 300 RACES

INYATSI SWAZI FRONTIER IN TOP 300 RACES
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 BY ASHMOND NZIMA  on 10/08/2018 03:46:00


EZULWINI – Inyatsi Swazi Frontier Mountain Bike (MTB) race continues to be a
preferred race for cyclists across the globe.
The three-day pair’s stage race, which is held over three days in the
north-west corner of Eswatini, takes centre stage between October 11 and 13.
During a launch of the iconic event before guests led by Minister of Tourism and
Environmental Affairs Christopher Gamedze at eMfuleni Lifestyle in Ezulwini last
night, one of the organisers, Lesley Foss disclosed that the event was now in
the top 300 races in the world alongside South Africa’s Cape Epic.
“Since its launch, it has attracted cyclists from about 20 countries,” she
said.
For this year’s race, Foss disclosed that the competitors would be from seven
countries that include Eswatini, Canada, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and
Zimbabwe, among others.
The race, which is mainly for daring and adventurous cyclists, is limited to 90
teams.
There are categories for men and women pairs, mixed teams, mkhulus (average age
50+) and buffaloes (total team weight 180kg+), among others.
It will start at Hawane and there will be stops at Bulembu Country Lodge,
Pigg’s Peak Hotel and then Maguga Lodge. About 180 kilometres are covered
after three days.
Entry fees range between E14 900 and E15 700 and they include accommodation,
bike wash, medical services and meals, to mention but a few.
Like in previous years, the launch would not be complete without snippets of the
terrain. The route is punctuated with river crossings, climbs and foot bridges.
Completed projects along the route, especially a preschool, were also showcased.
It was announced that more projects were in the pipeline.
Inyatsi, who are the title sponsors, were represented by John Hamilton on the
podium, and he shared the company’s joy on being part of the festivities and
uplifting communities.
Total is the supporting sponsor, and company representative Sindi Horton
stressed that it was fulfilling when the cyclists took to the trails, throwing
her office’s full weight behind the project.
Also witnessing the launch was Cycling Association of Swaziland President
Sihlangu Nhlabatsi, who lauded Inyatsi for always supporting the sport.
It was highlighted that there would be a lot of newcomers even this year and
they were dubbed ‘virgin riders’, much to the applause of those in
attendance.