Illovo Cycling returns
The annual Illovo Classic Cycling Race returns to action at Hill View in Blantyre this Saturday with an improved sponsorship package.
The 115-kilometre race runs from Hill View along Midima Road and Mkando in Mulanje and back.
Illovo Sugar Company national sales manager Peter Mtokale disclosed on Wednesday that the spokesperson backing of this 10th edition has been revised upwards to K3 million from last year’s K1.6 million.
He also said that this year’s race will be unique as police will be available to boost the morale and protect the contestants.
“We have made the improvements on both the package and activities to make this particular event more exciting. We expected at least 200 contestants this year and we want to make them happy and they should feel safe,” said Mtokale.
According to him, apart from qualifying for the Cape Argus Race in South Africa, the top-two cyclists will also get air tickets on top of the K65 000 first-prize and K60 000 second prize.
“Third and fourth placed cyclists will make it to the 94.7 Cycle Challenge in South Africa. They will get air tickets and they will receive K55 000 and K50 000, respectively. Consolation prizes such as bales of sugar will be available for other contestants,” he said.
Registration of contestants will start at 5:30am while the race in the elite category will begin at 7am. There will also be junior and children sections whose athletes will set off at 7:15am.
