THE newly formed Kansanshi Cycling team of Solwezi in North-Western Province, made its maiden appearance at last weekend’s Cycling Association of Zambia (CAZ) 100 kilometre road race held at Munali Coffee where the up-and-coming cyclists put up a sprightly performance.
The Kansanshi Development team which entered four riders had two cyclists, Agoster Jilowa and his coach Bright Chintu reach the podium as they emerged second and third respectively.
Jilowa and Chintu both completed the 100km race in three hours.
The tough mountainous route which was contested by 25 of Zambia’s top riders, saw 17-year old Jilowa utilise the skills acquired during his regular training sessions in Solwezi by finishing second.
Coach Joseph Daka finished fifth and in 10th position from Kansanshi was another 17-year old rider Nixon Kanyuma, who was taking part in a road race for the first time.
However, on their way to the championship, the Kansanshi team suffered a setback when thieves stole one of the bikes at the rail-road crossing in Kafue. They managed to borrow one from an official from the CAZ.
Meiring Burger, who has been guiding the cyclists in Solwezi was happy with the performance put up by his boys and congratulated them.
“Well done by the four Kansanshi team riders, who sent a shudder through the Zambian cycling fraternity as they have put Solwezi firmly on the map. The hours of training are paying off,” Burger said. (Story courtesy of SUMA SYSTEMS).