BORDER2BORDER CYCLING TOUR ALPHSZ INJECTS E62K

MBABANE – In a significant boost to the country’s cycling scene, Alpha Eswatini (AlphSZ) has injected E62 000 into the Border2Border Cycling Tour.

The fourth edition of the event was launched yesterday at Alphsz at the FINCORP Building in Mbabane. The sponsorship saw an increase of E3 000 from the previous edition’s E59 000. Speaking at the launch, Alphsz Group Chief Executive Officer Thandile Nxumalo emphasised the importance of investing in the community’s health.
“Health is wealth. If people are not healthy, they cannot invest with us. So we are doing this from the bottom of our hearts because it’s in our interest that everyone benefits and helps us grow as we help the sport grow,” Nxumalo said.

Confident

She also expressed delight that the event would boost the country’s tourism, as cyclists from neighbouring countries are expected to participate in this fun race. Nxumalo was confident that all stakeholders involved would also strive to make it a huge success.

Meanwhile, Eswatini Cycling Association (ECA) Acting President William Kelly expressed gratitude to Alphsz for choosing to sponsor cycling over other sports. Kelly said many corporates tend to invest only in soccer and heaped praises on the Border2Border Cycling Tour Organising Committee for getting this sponsor. He said there was currently some difficulty in obtaining sponsorships due to struggling economies.

Confident

“We would like to invite cyclists to join and feel confident in taking on the Border2Border challenge. I am also glad to see the Eswatini Tourism Authority partnering with this race. It will indeed promote the country, as we expect some cyclists from South Africa,” Kelly said. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 15, starting at Ngwenya and finishing at the Lavumisa Border Gate. This will be the longest race, covering 240km. There are three other options for cyclists. The second longest race will start in Manzini, covering 180km, with the third category beginning at Sikhuphe, spanning exactly 130km.

Meanwhile, the shortest race will commence in Siteki, Lukhula, covering 100km. This race is a fun event and carries no prize money, with sponsorships allocated towards the administration of the race. National champion Nontsikelelo Mdlovu encouraged cyclists to come and push their limits on the day. “I would like to encourage cyclists to register in large numbers. It’s a fine race that will also allow us to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the country,” Mdlovu said.

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