Sports Council boosts cyclists’ C’wealth preps

Sports Council has boosted the local cyclists’ preparations for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland by purchasing a standard road race bike and spare parts worth about K1.2 million.

The cost of the five kilogramme carbon fibre bike is K720 000 while the accessories that include tyres, tubes, chain rings and arm rest bars are worth approximately K432 000.

Cycling Federation of Malawi (CFM) president Andrew Mkwezalamba and his general secretary Jimmy Kadewere beamed with excitement yesterday, saying the equipment will enhance local cyclists’ chances of winning their first-ever medals at the event in July.

According to Mkwezalamba, the country’s ambassadors at the 2010 Games failed to make a mark due to lack of the standard equipment, but now they will have no excuse.

“We failed to make the grade last time because we lacked appropriate tools such as the arm rest bars which are recommended at the time trials by the Union Cyclists International (UCI). Now, we have no reason to worry about our latest medal hunt,” he said.

Kadewere said they are expecting to start non-residential camp training with yet-to-be-named six athletes mid this month before the final residential camp with the support of Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC).

This is the second time in two years for the council to buy equipment for CFM. Last year, it bought 20 mountain bikes for the cyclists.