The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
A huge turnout is anticipated at the 13th edition of the Tour de Falcon, a yearly cycling race from Bulawayo to Esigodini which takes places today.
Last year, 453 riders participated and organisers are looking at maintaining or even surpassing that figure. Peter Ward, the chairman of the organising committee said registration had been expected to increase ahead of the closing date which was yesterday.
Elite riders are taking part in a 100km race which starts at the Falcon College gate to Bulawayo then back to the school. Other races on the day are the 56km off the road from Bulawayo to Falcon College, the 52km social on the road for the same route, a 21km half marathon, 10km and 5km runs. All the races from Bulawayo are commencing at Fazak Home and Hyper in Woodlands.
“Last year we had 453 riders, the social ride is 52km and the off road is 56km and the elite race is 100km for men, women elite is 80km. Coghlan and Welsh are the main sponsors. Other prizes are still coming through, we hope to give out prizes in almost all sections,’’ said Ward.
A strongman competition is also being staged at Falcon College as part of the festivities on the day where powerful men will engage in all sorts of stunts to prove who is the toughest of them all.
The Tour de Falcon, a family fun day is held around the same time as the commencement of the much celebrated Tour de France which got underway yesterday.
@Mdawini_29
