Cyclists should expect improved prizes during the Illovo Classic Cycling Race at Hillview in Blantyre on Saturday as Illovo Sugar Company has increased sponsorship from K1 million (about $2 500) to K1.6 million (about $4 000).

Speaking during cheque presentation at Illovo’s Limbe office on Tuesday, the company’s national sales manager Walter Nyamilandu said they thought of enhancing the package to fulfil their pledge to heighten the morale of the sport each year.

“This is the ninth year we have been bankrolling this event and we are aware that the positive changes in the sport always make the contest even more exciting. We are happy to be associated with cycling,” said Nyamilandu, who was accompanied by Illovo’s public relations officer Ireen Phalula.

He added that the best two cyclists in the elite category will represent Malawi at the Cape Argus Cycling Race in South Africa while third and fourth best athletes will carry Malawi’s flag at the 94.7-kilometre Johannesburg Race.

According to Blantyre Cycling Club coach Dyton Chimwaza, who attended the function alongside Cycling Federation of Malawi’s (CFM) vice-president Joseph Galanje, this weekend’s contest will include contestants from Lilongwe, Zomba, Mangochi and Mzuzu.

“The event will not include the uphill finish at Hillview as was the case before because we want the cyclists to have a scintillating splint finish,” he said

Missi Kathumba is the defending champion in the elite category. He crossed the finishing line in 2:55:26 hours.