YOUNGSTER MUZI RULES IN MAFUTSENI

MAFUTSENI – Stand up for 100km Dups Mafutseni Cycle Classic’s newest champion - Muzi Shabangu.

Following continued dominance of visiting cyclists since 2012, the 19-year-old raced to the top in yesterday’s race to become the youngest Swazi to win the race. His golden time of 02:55:26 hours at Mafutseni outside Manzini ensured he remains Swaziland’s fastest cyclist in 2017.
The young champion, who was making his second stop at the venue for the main race, survived a scare from seasoned cyclist Akhona Msibi from 4Eva Club, who led for the better part of the race before being relegated to the second spot.  The latter clocked 02:56:16 hours.

The race started at the new Mafutseni Total Filling Station and Msibi was already in the lead after the first 30km. He had opened what looked like an unassailable lead by the 50km turning point in Madlangempisi. However, he could not shake off the road races ace and by Mliba, the gap had been significantly reduced. Msibi’s lead was a thing of the past when he finished cycling uphill next to the junction to Mbuluzi.
Interviewed afterwards, the proud champion said the championship never came on a silver platter as his strength was on climbs. The route favoured ‘sprinters’.

“I never panicked when I was forced to play catch-up.  I knew the leader would struggle in the few climbs.
“I’m happy to win gold in my second attempt,” said the national champion, who was crowned in Nhlangano last month.
In the ladies division, Carol Preat finished ahead of the equally forceful Retha Harding. Other races were 50km, 20km and 10km long. The fast improving Ayanda Dlamini, from 4Eva, was the winner in the second longest race in 01.34.00 hours.

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