Tour de Maputo

Hello loyal readers. Here is another instalment on the Mozambican cycling scene. The latest event was the "Tour de Maputo" which took place between the 25th and 27th of June. The 25th is Independence day which meant we had a long weekend on our hands which was perfect for staging the 3 events. The event times would be cumulative with the winner having the lowest overall time.

Day 1 was 4 loops of the Mozal road for a total 83km's. The previous record for this distance was 2 hours and 27 set in 2008 by Duncan Wyness. The route takes in the infamous Matola climb that is a fairly arduous kilometre of climbing. Wind was a factor on the day, and increased in intensity as the race progressed. An early break by Imran and Messias lasted into the second loop, after which they were caught and a new attack was staged by Mario, Joao Antonio and Kinha, who managed to stay in the front till the end of the race. First place went to Mario Traversi (yours truly), sprinting for the finish, Joao Antonio a close 2nd and Antonio (Kinha) Fonseca in 3rd place. Winning time was 2:23.

Day 2 was an individual time trial (ITT for short) on the same course for a distance of 26Km's. Riders set off at 2 minute intervals into a lively breeze, doing a loop and a half. Joao Antonio managed to avenge himself of the previous day second placement by doing a credible 42 minutes for first place. Second place was shared by Mario Traversi and Imran Akuji on 44 minutes and Kinha Fonseca in third place on 45 minutes.

Day 3 was the Maputo city criterium circuit, taking in a short stiff climb up to the Municipality, a long and steep climb up Av.V.Lenine and then right to Av.P.Lumumba and a short and fast descent down the viaduct. The course took in many corners and the wind was also a factor. The Municipal and Traffic Police were on-hand to escort the cyclists around their route and stop traffic where necessary, and their assistance was greatly appreciated. Right from the start-line Imran made a solo attack but the peloton kept him in their sights and by the second circuit had reeled him in. Then Kinha counter-attacked, but again he was kept under control by Joao Antonio and Mario, and eventually they bridged up to him and a game of cat and mouse ensued on the way up to the hill for the first bonus points of the day. This front group stayed the same with Imran close behind in fourth place. On the final circuit Kinha pulled out with a case of the Bonk and Mario and Joao Antonio tackled the final climb. Unable to shake Joao Antonio on the climb meant a fast descent on the viaduct, overtaking the escorting motorbike and ploughing into the traffic on the Robert Mugabe traffic Circle. Joao Antonio managed a better line through the traffic and hurtled into a powerful sprint on the final straight to the finish in just under 3 hours.

The final classification for the event:
1st place - Joao Antonio
2nd place - Mario Traversi
3rd place - Imran Akuji

For race commentary in Portuguese as well as results and times of all participants please visit:
Copa Ciclismo Site