BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– The cycling sporting code has started the weekend on a high note!
This is because earlier today, Eswatini Cycling announced that they had reached an agreement with Alpha Eswatini (AlphSZ) to be the title sponsor for the 2023 Border2Border Cycle Tour which would take place on Saturday, 10 June 2023 and this partnership would the 100per cent locally-owned investment management company link its name to the Kingdom of Eswatini’s premier road cycling event.
According to Eswatini Cycling Association President Zwide Ndwandwe, the ‘ALPHSZ BORDER2BORDER CYCLE TOUR 2023’ will see cyclists from within and outside the Kingdom’s borders take on the challenge of cycling from the Ngwenya Border Post to Lavumisa Border Post through the King Mswati III International Airport.
“This 240km cycle ride is in its 3rd edition and rapidly earning its space as the crown jewel of the Kingdom of Eswatini’s sporting, recreation and tourism heritage. The 2022 edition of the event had over 200 participants across the different segments, underlining the events primal role in promoting mass participation in line with the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council’s Shukuma Eswatini initiative and also forms part of the Eswatini Cycling Association’s long-term strategy to broaden the appeal of the sport and reach new audiences and participants.
“A one-day bike tour on a scenic route that cuts across all 4 regions of the country thus giving cyclist a feel and taste of the lush landscapes the country has to offer, the event also plays a role in promoting tourism in the Kingdom of Eswatini, hence collaboration with the Eswatini Tourism Authority and the Manzini City who have been key strategic partners since 2021,” said Ndwandwe.
The president of the association further said as a company that had always prided itself in being a responsible and active corporate citizen, AlphSZ was not new to the event as the company has been a keen and generous supporter and sponsor since 2021 whilst still trading as Sanlam Eswatini.
“We would like to congratulate the company on their newly acquired status as a 100per cent locally owned company. We are excited about this next chapter in our partnership and looking to grow together over the years as we are confident the partnership will not only benefit sports development in the country, but also enhance the company’s efforts to grow its brand presence as the event will showcase the company to a targeted demographic that is eager to learn more about what the company offers.
“Our responsibility as Eswatini Cycling – and the wider cycling community – is to ensure that AlphSZ not only gets the most out of this partnership, but also feels proud of the impact their contribution will make.
“Our team looks forward to hosting the AlphSZ Border2Border Cycle Tour 2023, welcoming cyclists in their varying technical and fitness capabilities to share this wonderful cycling experience.”
According to Ndwandwe, the objectives of the AlphSZ Border2Border Cycle Tour stretch beyond recreational and sporting functions and goals as it has always been their desire to develop this event into a nation-building initiative, serving as a useful tool or positive social change.
“As we move closer to the event, novice riders can look forward to easy cycling on flat to gently rolling terrain in the 100KM and 130KM segments, while advanced cyclists can test their fitness on challenging climbs and the exciting downhills in the 180KM and 240KM segments. “Event registration will open online, on Monday, 17 April 2023 and close on Saturday 3 June 2023. We encourage cyclists to register timely to avoid missing out on some of the exciting items on offer at this year’s edition of the AlphSZ Border2Border Cycle Tour,” he said.
