The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
AN excellent turnout is expected today for the 14th edition of Tour de Falcon, a yearly cycling race from Bulawayo to Falcon College in Esigodini.
Falcon College headmaster, Reginald Querl said as of last Thursday, which had been meant to be the close of day for registration, a total of 370 competitors had officialised their participation.
The registration was then extended to Friday to give as many an opportunity to take part. Extending the deadline worked wonders with 100 registrations on Thursday alone, indications that more wanted to take part on the annual event.
Querl highlighted that what makes this year’s instalment stand out is the fact that more people are choosing to enter running races than what has been the case over the years. Last year, close to 500 took part in the Tour de Falcon various races on offer.
“This is the 14th year that this event has taken place, this year is unique in that more people are opting to take part in the running races than before. As of 2.30pm on Thursday 29th June we have 370 entrants in total. Of these, 132 were runners and 238 cyclists,’’ said Querl.
For the elite as well as social riders, the distances are 60 kilometres off road and 56km for those cycling from Bulawayo to Falcon College using the main route. From Bulawayo, all races start at Fazak Home and Hyper in Woodlands. There are also 7km, 10km and 21km runs which commence at the Falcon College gate.
“The runs — 7km, 10km and 21km — all leave from Falcon College at 7am. The cycle races — off road is 60 km and the Elite/Social rides are 56 km — all departing from Fazak.
Last year we had just under 500 participants in total. We have a kiddies’ race within the grounds of the College — there is a race for 4-7 year olds and then two options of 2km and 5km for 8-12 year olds. Registration can be done on the day for the kiddies’ race,’’ Querl said.
As part of the festivities, Crossfit Bulawayo, who exhibit on an annual basis will have their customary competition for interested applicants. A number of exciting events have been lined up for fitness enthusiasts who will take part in a number of stunts to prove who is the fittest.
South Africa-based Zimbabwean sports scientist Dylan van Dyk will be at the Tour de Falcon finish line. He is currently studying at Stellenbosch University and will be offering sport massage therapy to help with the recovery of the athletes at the finish line.
Law firm, Coghlan and Welsh are the main sponsors with the other bankrolling coming from KFC and Halsteds. Querl said they have also received donations for the event from the Parents of Falcon College, Mark Querl, Datlabs, Solution Centre, Fortwell, Muller Brothers, Techno Basket, Bonsa Spar, LNA Stationery, KFC, Creative Centre, Ross and Karen Johnston and the Parents’ Assembly.
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.
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