Presidential Cycling Race distance reduced

Cycling Federation of Malawi (CFM) has reduced the distance of this year’s Presidential Initiative on Sports (PIS) Cycling Championship in the men’s category from 140 kilometres (km) to 100 km.

CFM vice-president Jonathan Tengani said the 40km reduction is meant to act as a relief for the contestants, who are expected to compete under hot-weather conditions. Distance for the ladies section has been maintained at 50 km.

“We would like to have more people taking the challenge despite the weather being hot. We do not want the searing heat to scare away prospective contestants,” he said.

The government-sponsored K1 million competition, which will see the top-10 riders in each category receiving cash prizes, is scheduled for September 8 in Lilongwe. It will cover a stretch from Gateway Mall and Mchinji Roundabout.

Individual participants and clubs are welcome to take part in the competition, whose entry is free.

“But riders travelling from far shall be responsible for their own transport and accommodation,” said Tengani.