Malawian cyclists struggle in SA debut
Malawi’s representatives at South Africa’s 2014 Cape Argus Pick ‘n’ Pay Cycling race, Blessings Kumwenda and Mickson Maluwa, on Sunday finished on positions 2 108 and 2 077 out of 31 046 cyclists.
The 109-kilometre race was split into groups and the Malawian cyclists group’s performance was relatively better, said Blantyre Cycling Club’s (BCC) head coach Dyton Chimwaza.
Kumwenda, who is from Mzuzu Cycling Club, finished on position three in 3:20 hours out of 586 cyclists while BCC’s Maluwa clocked 3:29:02 hours on position seven out of 586.
BCC sent the two runners to the Cape Town annual international race courtesy of Illovo Malawi sponsorship.
“In terms of positions, they have done well as this was their first international outing, but their timing is a little bit on the lower side than expected. It is possible they were not familiar with the route or it was windy. These are among the factors that can affect a cyclist,” noted Chimwaza who had given the cyclists a target of finishing between 3:08 hours and 3:11 hours.
