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SA’S REECE TIFFLIN WINS 94KM RACE

26/06/2016 00:04:00 BY ASHMOND NZIMA

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LAVUMISA – Local cyclists are still searching for their maiden Kukhanya Shiselweni Road Classic title as visiting South Africa’s Reece Tifflin has prevailed in this year’s instalment.

Yesterday marked the second edition of the event headlined by a 94km race outside the small Lavumisa town. The 30-year-old survived a scare from Newcom Wheels’ Mduduzi Zwane to win the race in 2:51:20:59 hours. The latter, who was in the same peloton with the likes of Similo Nyoni from MTN Khemani and James Gabell from Mozambique, clocked 2:51:21:75 hours to force a photo-finish.

Present pundits had predicted a surprise win for MTN Khemani new signee, Muzi Shabangu, who had opened what looked like an unassailable lead during the first leg of the race which was punctuated mainly with climbs. He led for about 60km before ranking fifth in 2.51.21.80 hours.The competitors raced in places that included Matsanjeni and Sihlutse. The finishing point was also outside Lavumisa.
The Durban-based winner, who was making his first stop in the country, said he capitalised on his strength downhill after playing catch-up for the better part of the race.

“We worked well with the rest of the cyclists in the leading peloton as we knew when to sprint,” said the proud champion.
Runner-up, Zwane said keeping the champion at close range did the trick, expressing his delight to rank second after enduring the tough climbs.
The 18-year-old Shabangu, on the other hand, who surrendered the lead in the last five kilometres, said he did not have someone on his side to share tricks. However, he had something to smile about as he was named the best junior, pocketing E1 000.

Other events yesterday covered a distance of 50, 20 and 10km. Kwanele Jele reigned supreme in the second longest race. Winning the inaugural edition last year was Mozambique’s Miguel Duarte. Up for grabs was E15 000 in cash on top of the artistic trophies. The champion of the main race became E2 000 richer.