SIFISO WINS USUTU MTB RACE

MHLAMBANYATSI – Former off-road races champion Sifiso Mhlanga is the winner of this year’s instalment of the 40km Usutu Mountain Bike (MTB) Classic.

Cyclists returned to the pine tree plantations at Mhlambanyatsi outside Mbabane in chase of a podium finish in the annual race yesterday. This year’s event, which is staged at Usutu Forest School, was held in memory of junior cyclist, Owethu Dlamini, who was knocked down by a car last year while reportedly visiting a friend.

survived

Mhlanga, who was blowing hot and cold this year, survived a scare from William Kelly to claim gold in 02:07:55 hours. The latter finished in 02:07:56 hours.
Seasoned cyclist, Thulani Gule, reached the winning point in 02:10:30 hours to complete the list of the podium finishers.
The proud champion was happy to outshine his competitors following an unfortunate disqualification in 2015 after missing the route.

“There were too much climbs, and the rain made the terrain to be a little bit challenging.
“Overall, it was a good race and it was easier to challenge for gold as most of the competitive cyclists missed out,” said the 20-year-old.
Mhlanga’s form took a noticeable dive this year, but assured he still had the verve to leave a mark.

getting

He felt he would have done even better yesterday, but he was still getting used to his new bicycle.
The daring cyclists had to survive the course punctuated with mainly climbs. There were also single tracks and open roads..

 Other races were 20km and 5km long. They were won by Richard Darne and Uviwe Vilakati in 01:03:52 and 00:18:50 hours, respectively.

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