SA CHAMP MAX FOR NGWENYA NATIONAL MTB

NGWENYA – A ‘familiar ghost’ in South Africa’s off-road races, champion Max Knox, is back to haunt local cyclists in the celebrated Ngwenya Glass Mountain Bike (MTB) Classic.

Ngwenya Glass, outside Mbabane, will be hosting the event on July 7. For the first time, the event has been conferred with national championship status and the main race has been stretched from 68km to 70km in conformity with international standards. In a press briefing at the host venue yesterday, Organiser Gary Hayter confirmed the return of Knox, who has won the past three editions.

According to Hayter, ‘iron lady’ in Sandra Haywood, would also be back and highlighted that competing with the professionals was good for  developing  the country’s cyclists.
“We’re honoured to stage the first national MTB championship of Eswatini.
“Our route complies with UCI (International Cycling Union) regulations,” said Hayter.

Cycling Association of Swaziland (CAS) President Sihlangu thanked Ngwenya Glass for staging the event, dubbing Hayter a shoulder to cry on.
“It is a very important event, and it is a must-attend for cyclists hoping to be in the national team. It is also part of the MTB series,” he said.

  The 70km route has a great balance of flowing jeep track, forest roads, cattle paths and hand cut single track, with a balance of undulating hills, steep climbs and wicked down-hills.
The route traverses the Motshane/Sigangeni valley offering unparalleled views of North Western Eswatini from Ngwenya towards Mhlambanyatsi. The altitude of the route varies from 1 250 metres to 1 600 metres.
The second longest event is 40km long. It is made up of flowing jeep track, cattle paths, dirt roads and hand-cut single track. The route has some tricky technical sections.

Other cyclists will be accommodated in 20 and seven kilometres events that are equally challenging.
Like in previous events, it will be a family event, as there are also trail runs that will be seven and 16km long.
There will also be a Craft Fair at Ngwenya Glass selling a variety of crafts, food and drinks.

Another first will be a category for E-Bikes, a first for Eswatini. All funds raised will be donated to Cheshire Homes Swaziland and the Swaziland Antivenom Foundation.

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