KANSANSHI MINE2MINE CYCLING RACE GOING INTERNATIONAL
… Gift Mwanza, Anriette Schoeman outclass riders
By JOHN CHOLA
The 2024 edition of the Mine2Mine race saw cyclists push their limits on a challenging 140 km route from Solwezi to Kalumbila, drawing enthusiastic support from Kansanshi Mining Plc, which plans to make the event international.
At the finishing point, Gift Mwanza of Kansanshi Cycling emerged victorious in the gruelling male senior road bike category and topped the overall Elite Winners.
Mwanza led the race with an impressive time of 3:34:49 closely followed by Levy Pyele, Charles Mujayi, Yanjanani Sakala, and Micheal Olokani, who all finished within a narrow time margin, showcasing the intense competition among the Elite Riders.
The women’s senior road bike category saw Anriette Schoeman securing first place with a time of 3:51:30, followed by Jani Jordaan and Lizelle Hudson, who finished in 4:46:44 and 5:23:05, respectively.
Kansanshi Mining Plc General Manager Meiring Burger described the annual race as once again demonstrating its impact on community well-being and athletic growth.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, Burger vowed to expand the race’s reach beyond African borders, to turn the Kansanshi Mine2Mine into a truly international event.
“Seeing the dedication of these cyclists motivates us to grow this event even more. We want to see participants from all over the world competing right here in Zambia,” said Burger after decorating the winners.
“Sports uplift people’s spirits, keeping them from all the things that keep us down. When sports men and women win, people are happy. Apart from anything else, it’s important to have healthy and happy communities. Watching these riders today is fantastic, it’s like a chase diamond on a bicycle, so none of these guys thought about load-shedding or lack of rain today.
“They were just focusing on that race and enjoying it and it’s the same for us—all the way from Solwezi to Kalumbila people lining up watching and enjoying these guys attacking each other, you can tell that sport is really important for our communities and the country at large,” Burger said.
Burge commended mine suppliers and contractors including Mount Meru, Kascco Limited, PhaseOne, Manjaman and ATS for continued partnership with Kansanshi Mine to successfully host the 2024 Mine2Mine event.
Burger was happy that several girls who joined the Kansanshi cycling team were now among the top riders competing even at various professional levels.
UPLIFTING
He noted that sporting events like the Mine2Mine race played a vital role in uplifting the community, providing a welcome distraction from daily challenges such as load shedding and economic difficulties.
“Sport uplifts us. When people have access to races like today, they have things to work for, things to think about. It brings hope and pride,” he added.
Reflecting on the race he cheered throughout the route, Burger likened the cyclists’ strategic manoeuvres to “a chess game on a bicycle,” highlighting the growth in the cyclists’ tactics and discipline over the years.
He expressed immense pride in the Kansanshi Cycling Team, which showed remarkable skill and determination.
“Watching them was like watching the Tour de France. They made us very proud,” Burger said.
INCREASE
The Mine2Mine race is evolving, with plans to increase participation rather than distance.
This year’s event featured different race categories, including an 80 km option and a shorter course for young riders, encouraging more people to join.
The event, which took place on Sunday, September 29, attracted cyclists from various categories and distances. It began at the Petroda Filling Station just outside Solwezi, covering a challenging route with multiple steep climbs and descents. Riders braved sharp inclines, smooth yet treacherous road surfaces and dangerous bridge crossings on their way to the finish line.
“You start with a shorter race, and next year, you think, ‘I’m going to do the 140 km.’ It’s all about setting goals and challenging oneself,” Burger explained.
Participation from various teams from across the country, including Lusaka, Kitwe, and Solwezi, has made the Mine2Mine race a key fixture on the national sporting calendar.
Burger believes that growing the sport at the grassroots level is crucial for its sustainability. “We are trying to build sport properly within schools. Many of our team members started cycling while they were still in school,” he noted, emphasising the importance of engaging communities in the long term.
DIVERSE
The annual event, known for testing the endurance and strength of participants, attracted a diverse group of cyclists from various categories, including junior and senior divisions, as well as male and female competitors.
The challenging terrain around Solwezi made the victory even sweeter for Gift Mwanza, who outpaced more than 40 other cyclists.
In the junior categories, Gift Kasito and Magret Ngoma claimed top honours in the male and female divisions, respectively. Kasito finished with a time of 3:37:41, while Ngoma completed her ride at 4:28:30.
The junior cyclists demonstrated promising talent and determination, signalling a bright future for Zambian cycling.
The race results underline the competitive spirit and determination of all participants, with notable performances across all categories, proving that the future of Zambian cycling looks bright.
