The 18th edition of the 53 Kilometer Luwawa international Mountain bike cycling race took place on Saturday at Luwawa Forest in Mzimba district.
The race which was sponsored by Zimatha lodge and restaurant to a tune of MK2,000,000 saw a total of 59 cyclist (54 adults and 5 juniors) from different clubs registering for the race in both male and female categories. The race also attracted international cyclist from South Africa and Zambia.
In the Male category Daniel Nash emerged as the winner as he finished the race in 2 hour 9 minutes and walked away with MK2.5 million as prize money. Blessings Kumwenda finished on second position with the time of 2 hours 12 minutes and pocketed home MK2 million, while Steve Nazombe finished on third position with the time of 2 hours 12 minutes and walked away with MK1 million kwacha.
In the female category Linda Ekhama emerged as the winner as she finished the race in 3 hours 16 minutes to walk away with MK2.5million, while Maria moffat finished second with the time of 3 hours 17 minutes to pocket MK2 million and Loyce Phiwa finished on third position with the time of 3 hours 18 minutes to go home with MK1 million.
In the 20 km under 17 junior category race Messiah Shaba finished on first position while Joseph Kumwenda was second. During the race Mzuzu cycling club was awarded the Selmar Gassen memorial trophy as they were voted the overall winners of the race.
The Luwawa international mountain bike cycling race is an annual event which is held in June and the race is open to all cyclist over the age of 17. There is also a junior race of 20km for those who are under 17. The Luwawa international mountain bike cycling race is organized by Luwawa forest lodge.