CALVIN LOUW IS ‘KING OF THE ROAD’

Race winner Calvin Louw celebrates as he heads for the finish line after doing 10 laps yesterday in the city race hosted by Velo Cycle Eswatini. (Pics: Nsindiso Tsabedze)

MBABANE – It was a first-of-its kind road race as cyclists invaded the city streets in the early hours of a bright Sunday morning, with motorists barred from certain streets for safety purposes as Calvin Louw pedalled to victory at lightning pace.

This was in the first ever criterium to be staged in Swaziland courtesy of Innovative Velo Cycle Eswatini Cycling Club which brought the Mbabane CBD alive yesterday.
Louw, of 4eva Cycling Club, took an early lead and emerged as the victor after doing 10 laps (50km) of the Cycle in the City race and took home a floating trophy and a two nights’ voucher at the Nkonyeni Golf Estate.

He did it in 1:10:48hr and also set a record for the fastest lap as he did one in just under four minutes, while his dominance was glaring as second-placed Ara Monadjem finished about 14 minutes after.

spilled

The cyclists spilled onto the road led by a vehicle sponsored by KIA Motors at around 7:30am from Sheffield Road at the Industrial Sites, and this wonder arrested the attention of motorists and pedestrians alike.
Cars stopped as drivers not only asked for directions of the temporary routes, but also starred in wonder at the men and women athletes of all ages who paddled at high speed around the city streets.

Churchgoers, among other people, also neglected their travel to steal a glance of the spectacle that unveiled and disturbed the morning peace.

gruelling

It was a gruelling race as the course had a few corners and steep hills that made life tougher for the cyclists, but Louw matched it pound for pound.
The race had two other categories, some did five laps, while novice cyclists competed in the three laps category.

Fast improving junior cyclist Sifiso Mhlanga crossed the finish line first in the MTB Five Laps division, with Carol du Pont taking the crown in the ladies category, and Alison Evans was the winner in the novice section.
Meanwhile, MTN Khemani, Inyatsi Cycling Club, 4eva Cycling Club, Velo Cycle Eswatini and USDF were among the clubs that were represented. USDF were presented with a prize for having made the most effort to bring as many people as possible.

Sebbie du Pont of Velo Cycle Eswatini noted that the fairly supported event was a successful pilot project.
“We will definitely be doing more of these events and we have planned that we will do at least three each year.   

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