Phiri defends 100 Miler Classic title

Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
UNIMILLS Hokoyo cyclist, Advocate Phiri made it two in a row when he clinched the Flying Eagles 100 Miler Classic held yesterday.

The win was Phiri’s second having clinched the title in 2019 when the race was last held. Phiri (22) came in first in a time of three hours 45.05 minutes and was closely followed by his team mates, Nkulumo Dube a second later with another colleague, Mthokozisi Sibanda coming in third in 3:48.44 as UniMills made a top three finish.

Phiri said he was thrilled by the win although he had set a target of eclipsing the record which stands at three hours 33.44 minutes.

He said a headwind conspired to make it difficult for him but he was happy to have retained his title.

“I’m glad we managed to win as a team and as the defending champion, I am glad to retain the title. Our focus had been on the record but the wind made it difficult for us, but managing to take the top three places was a plus for us,” he said.

Over 40 cyclists took part in the 164km race that started just outside Gweru and ended at the Hockey Stadium in Bulawayo. Other cyclists that numbered over 60 took part in the shorter 80km race that started from Insiza.

UniMills director, Davies Muhambi said the win was testimony of the hard work they are putting in, in training and they have not lost sight of breaking the record.

“We are happy to see the boys express their talent in this manner and it’s exciting when you assist youngsters and they deliver such performances and the fact all our riders came out in the top 10 is encouraging,” he said.

Zimbabwe Cycling president, Norman Bourne said the race was well organised and they were planning to include it in a series that will see similar races being hosted by other cities and towns as part of the revival of cycling.

“We really had a good turnout with riders from all over the country coming in to race and we hope this sets the tone for a series of events that will be held across the country,” he said.