The Sunday News
Sisa Sihwa, Sports Reporter
NKULUMO Dube clinched his third title in the recently held 22nd edition of the Volta de Tour Bulawayo after winning the elite category, while Allan Harrison scooped the masters section and James Freeland won in the veterans event.
Dube first won the gong in 2013, his second came two years later and this year’s victory added to his tally. This year’s race, held over three days attracted 40 riders.
Thomas Classen beat Mthokozisi Sibanda and Dube in the 70km elite race which was rode on Matopos Road, finishing in two hours, four minutes, 47 seconds, while Sibanda crossed the line in two hours 12 minutes and 46 seconds and Dube finished a second later in two hours 12 minutes and 47 seconds.
In the elite 120km race which took place along Gwanda Road, Dube became the victor after crossing the line in three hours 39 minutes and four seconds, followed by Classen who came home in three hours 49 minutes and 57 seconds.
Dube also won the critirium race which comprises sprint races after crossing the line in 20 minutes seven seconds followed by Classen four minutes and 27 seconds later and Sibanda who crossed the line in 25 minutes 27 seconds.
In the 50km masters race, Harrison shrugged off stiff competition before crossing the line in one hour 24 minutes 48 seconds, on his heels was Ike Bhana who finished four seconds later.
Crispen Kazingizi came third in the race coming home in one hour 24 minutes 50 seconds.
Harrison managed to clinch the Masters category after finishing the 80km race in two hours 26 minutes and 45 seconds followed by Bhana who crossed the line a minute 43 seconds later.
In the veterans’ category, James Freeland dominated in both 50km and 80km races finishing in one hour 24 minutes 49 seconds and two hours 26 minutes and 50 seconds respectively.
Portia Chitendere won in the women’s category, while Josh Maidwell became the victor in the juniors.
Flying Eagles Cycling Club vice-chairman, Kazingizi described Volta de Bulawayo as a great ride and the participants crossed the line in good time.
“This year’s event was a good ride, it was well organised, all the riders displayed a wonderful race, clocking in good times,” Kazingizi said. -@J_sihwa
