Mpumalanga to host SA Cycling Team selections for Olympics
31 January 2020
MBOMBELA –Hundreds of South African cyclists will gather at Swadini with one aim – to make the national cycling team for the 2020 Olympic Games.
Mpumalanga has been chosen to host the 2020 National Road and Paracycling Championships, starting on February 6 to 9 and this year the championships have more significance that they will be used to select a team to represent the country at the Olympics Games in Asia. “We are delighted that Mpumalanga has been chosen as hosts of the prestigious cycling event,” enthused director of sport and recreation in the department, Butini Ngoma.
According to organizer of the championships Hendrik Wagener, the national championships will attract more than 300 cyclists in all age groups and categories, who will all be vying for the honour of flying the South African flag at the Olympics. “The national championships is not an open event, but only registered cyclists with Cycling South Africa may participate, including those who are riding overseas. They must participate in the championships so that they can gain UCI points to enable them continue riding. Of course, the championships will also be used to select a team to represent the country at Tokyo 2020,” explained Wagener. This means the likes of Nico Bell, Daryl Impey, who recently rode Tour Down Under will be among the cyclists gracing the national championships.
The championships will start with a time trial on Thursday February 6, starting at 09:00. Friday, February 7 will be a Criterium and February 8 and 9 is set aside for road races.
Enquiries: Hendrik Wagener on 082 741 1514.