Smit Wins Mpumalanga Cycle Tour
Mpumalanga rider, Willie Smit created cycling history when he won the inaugural six-stage Mpumalanga Cycle Tour.
Smit had to dig deep in his reserves to beat crowd favourite and another local rider, Nico Bell to the yellow jersey. “I am excited to come out on top on the first Mpumalanga Cycle Tour,” said the winner. In the women’s category. Lisa Olivier stood and head shoulders above the other riders to claim the pink jersey.
Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Eric Kholwane described the tour as more than just a sporting event. “It is a catalyst for economic and social change. The cycle tour and the recently launched Songimvelo Malolotja 4x4 Route and amongst have provided a great opportunity to sell Mpumalanga as a preferred destination of choice for sport and leisure tourism.”
The Mpumalanga Cycle Tour started with a 192-kilometre stage from Loskopdam to eManzana, formerly Badplaas on Monday, January 18. Stage two was from eManzana to Glenwood, stage three was from Mbombela Stadium to Glenwood, stage four from White River to Mount Sheba, stage five was from Mount Sheba to Blyde Canyon. It finished with a 132-kilometre sixth stage from Blyde Canyon to White River on Saturday, January 23. The cycle tour attracted teams such as Lights by Linea, Team Telkom, NAD Pro, RoadCover Cycling and team Namibian women’s cycling team.