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MBABANE – Eswatini ladies in cycling will stage another exciting event this coming Sunday.
The 60km ride will start at the Malkerns Pick n Pay going via Mahhala and then to Lobamba before a return to the starting point.
This is a self-supported ride that is the brainchild of the ladies themselves. They aim to create awareness, as they cycle for health and fitness and creating a welcoming non-competitive environment for where newbies and experienced cyclists can come together. The ride was sanctioned by Eswatini Cycling Association (ECA).
President of ECA Sifiso ‘Zwide’ Ndwandwe said it was encouraging to see ladies taking the initiative to stage the ride. “This is a declaration of intent by the ladies to foster a supportive and safe riding culture, where women can help others grow in the sport of cycling. These rides, we believe, are meant to empower and encourage, not intimidate,” said Ndwandwe.
He said they would be providing them with the support and guidance they needed. “We believe they are the best people to guide them in developing and implementing strategies that will foster the kind of growth we desire in women’s involvement in the sport. It’s an exciting initiative for us and I personally will be out on the day to support the ladies on the road,” said the president.
Contribution
Speaking to one of the lead organisers, former National Road Cycling Champion Dinize Wilsch, shared that the ride was open to all ladies. The ride will start at 6am on Sunday, covering a distance of about 60km. “The current proposal is the park at Malkerns Square, then ride to Mahlanya – Ludzidzini – Lozitha – Mahhala – Lozitha – Ludzidzini – Mahlanya – Malkerns. A small contribution of E50 per lady is requested to cater for back up vehicles,” she said.
The ride follows a hugely successful ladies ride hosted on February 13 this year which saw over 30 ladies take to the road and ride together regardless of club affiliation.