The Sunday News
Sports Reporter
THE African BMX Championships at Busters — BMX Park this morning is set to be an exciting adventure, which carries a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Today, Cycling Zimbabwe (CZ) will play host to the continental competition, a highly anticipated event in the world of BMX racing.
“Following our successful hosting of the championships in 2023, Cycling Zimbabwe has been entrusted with organising this prestigious event once more. This year’s championships hold even greater significance as elite riders will earn points towards qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France,” said Kudakwashe Mswaka, a spokesperson for the organisers.
Mswaka is Cycling Zimbabwe’s representative in BMX.
Mswaka is a competitor and is among five local women vying for the Olympic berth and have geared up for the ultimate sporting competition ticket.
Hana Taylor leads the Zimbabwe charge at the African championships and the quest to represent the country in the championships. She is, however, worried about the recent injury, which affected her preparations for this competition.
Helen Mitchell, Ashleigh Gore and Ruvimbo Mtasa are the other contestants carrying Zimbabwe’s hopes for glory.
South African women’s elite champion Miyanda Maseti is one to watch out for.
In the men’s category, Joe Ruwoko, Simon Martin, Gaylord Ganduku and Marlone Kanduku will be hoping to dispose Moroccan rider Dean Reeves, the 2023 BMX African Men’s Championship title.
Mswaka said the stage is set for a thrilling day of racing, with a number of local riders vying for medals in their respective races.
She said all is set for today with Algeria, Morocco and South African riders having already arrived for the event. “As the top BMX countries on the continent, Morocco, Algeria and South Africa have already arrived in Zimbabwe, adding to the excitement and competitiveness of the event.
“With a total of 90 riders participating, it is encouraging to note that there has been an increase in female representation, with 20 percent of the riders being female, up from 15 percent in 2023.
Furthermore, an impressive 70 percent of the riders fall between the ages of five and 18, showcasing the growing popularity of BMX among the younger generation,” Mswaka said.
Adding to the prestige of the event, she said they felt honoured to have Muhammed Bashir, the secretary-general of the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC), as guest of honour.
“His presence highlights the importance of the championships and the commitment of CAC to the development of BMX racing in Africa.”
The championships will see the return of previous medal winners from 2023, who are expected to be ready to defend their titles and strive for gold once again. Their determination and skill will undoubtedly make for an exhilarating competition, pushing the boundaries of BMX racing in Africa.
Zimbabwe await to hear great news of its riders having made the cut this afternoon for the Olympics.
This can only come by if they do well this morning.
Mswaka believes they have organised an event to remember. “With the support of Cycling Zimbabwe and the participation of top BMX countries, this year’s championships promise to be an unforgettable display of talent, skill and determination. Let us come together to celebrate the spirit of BMX racing and wish all the riders the best of luck in their pursuit of victory,” Mswaka said.
