Swaziland confirm entry in Africa Continental Road Championship

Swaziland national cycling team have become the second team after hosts Rwanda to confirm their participation in the forthcoming Africa Continental Road Championships that will take place from February 13-18 in Kigali.

Friday, January 05, 2018
Darren Dunn, left, was part of the Swaziland team at last year's Africa Continental Road Championships in Egypt. Net photo

Feb.14: Official opening ceremonyTeam Time Trial (Boys & Girls): 18.6kmTeam Time Trial (Juniors): 18.6kmTeam Time Trial (Women Seniors): 40kmTeam Time Trial (Men Seniors): 40kmFeb. 15Individual Time Trial (Boys & Girls): 18.6kmIndividual Time Trial (Boys Junior) – 18,6kmIndividual Time Trial (Women Senior): 40kmIndividual Time Trial (Men Senior): 40kmFeb. 17Boys & Girls: 60kmJunior race: 72kmMen U23: 84kmFeb. 18Road Race: 168km

Swaziland national cycling team have become the second team after hosts Rwanda to confirm their participation in the forthcoming Africa Continental Road Championships that will take place from February 13-18 in Kigali.

This was announced by the Cycling Association of Swaziland (CAS) president Sihlangu Nhlabatsi, who confirmed that Swazi cyclists are upbeat about rubbing shoulders with the continent’s finest for the second time, following their debut in Egypt, last year.

In the Egyptian tourist city of Luxor, Swaziland was represented by a trio of Muzi Shabangu, Darren Dunn, and Sicelo Phiri.

Events for the continental championships in Kigali will include time trials for both individuals and teams but the main attraction will be the road races for both men and women.

It will be the second time that Rwanda has hosted the continental championships, but the first in eight years since 2010.

Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) already has experience in hosting high-level competitions such as Tour du Rwanda which has earned great success over the years and is now one of the major cycling events in Africa.

FERWAFCY president Aimable Bayingana said then that, "We are delighted and honored to bring back the continental championships to Rwanda. This is a great appreciation for Rwanda’s hosting qualities that we have in hosting several events including a hugely successful Tour du Rwanda.”

Bayingana declared that preparations for continental championships are progressing well, "preparations have already started and we are confident that 2018 continental championships will be the best Africa has known.”"Our passion for cycling is renowned and we can expect huge crowds just as there are every year during the Tour du Rwanda. We are eager to create a memorable experience for all the participants and fans,” he stated.

Last year, 20 countries participated in the annual event, with South Africa, Eritrea and Egypt taking the top three spots whereas Ethiopia completed the top four.

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