Twin Peaks – Dois Picos
A title of a famous American television serial drama, or the toughest cycle race in the Copa-Ciclismo calendar, organized by the Clube de Ciclismo de Moçambique? What do the two things have in common? Not much, except a lot of pain and suffering. At 152km it is the longest race currently in the calendar, but throw in the two hill-top climbs and you have 1580m of climbing as well. This is for Mozambican die-hard cycle fans only, and for the normally flat rides in Maputo, with its dearth of hills and mountains, it is a really severe experience. Naturally enough, the field was small, as not many felt confident in completing the distance. Also a rival MTB race in Swaziland the day before diverted the attention of some of the expat cyclists, and any remaining expat cyclists (read Matt) found themselves comfortably tucked in their beds with a warm body for company. Certainly no incentive to face a cold start and long race.
So, preliminaries aside, let’s get on with the main event. Starters assembled at the Galp Petrol Station in Boane from 6:30 onwards, although in true Mozambican style the race only got underway at around 8am. Some were a bit overdressed with leg and arm-warmers and multiple layers, as it was a cool 16 degrees, while others choosing to tough it out in jersey and shorts. We’ll find out later which strategy worked he best.
Setting off, the cyclists went over Boane hill, which on our return would serve as the finish. For the first few km’s cyclists stretched their legs and warmed up but soon there was hard work to climb Pedreira Hill, which strung out the field a bit. A fast descent ensured the field rejoined the breakaway climbing group. Then it was mostly cycling single file along the flat 20km’s to the foot of the first hill, with Miguel, Imran and Mario taking turns at the front. Mandevo loomed and for the first half of the climb the group stayed compact, but on a false rise leading to a fast descent Angelo feigned and opened up the chance for Mario to attack, quickly disappearing from view down the steep descent. The attack was risky as Namaacha was still 5km’s away. A split in the field resulted with chasers Miguel and Kinha hot on Mario’s heels, finally catching up on the last descent before the long final uphill to the crest. However their chasing effort meant that Mario was able to rest behind them and take the hill with a spurt of energy, up the final 10% incline to take the first KOM points. Riders re-assembled at the top, as the race was long and solo efforts this early would surely be doomed. The descent was quick and again the packs separated into two, with Kinha, Miguel and Mario ahead, Angelo and Imran chasing and another cyclist holding the lantern rouge. Once at the bottom of the hill a moderate head-wind made some work for the front group. Angelo managed to bridge to this group at the Goba turn-off while Imran was struggling to chase on his own.
The turn-off to Goba saw the front group take turns pushing on the long and hilly section before reaching Goba. By now it was hot and cyclists started de-layering. At Goba Miguel powered up the first ramp (at 10%, a real leg burner) and slowly managed to string out his competitors. This was his attack. Mario managed to keep him in sight but by the end of the climb Miguel had managed to build up a 2 minute lead, and his fast descending abilities would mean he’d keep it to the bottom. Angelo and Kinha caught up with Mario, while he was delayering at the top, the heat really starting to impact the race. They set-off at a blistering pace down the hill, Angelo trying to power away, with Kinha and Mario tucked behind. At the bottom of the Goba hill a loud bang - Angelo’s rear tyre goes, on the fastest stretch. He struggles to pull over as Mario behind has to apply brakes to avoid his snaking bike. With everyone’s tools and inner tubes in the support vehicle, he had to wait for them to drive down the hill, 20 agonizing minutes later. Meanwhile Kinha and Mario press on in a partnership, trying to chase down Miguel, who is up ahead and extending his lead. Imran instead is struggling alone in the cross-winds, but keeps motoring along at a steady pace.
Miguel manages to finish 5:22, a good effort considering he was fighting on his own from Goba onwards, then Mario in second place at 5:34 with a final sprint on the final uphill and Kinha at 5:35. Imran rolled in 20 minutes later, tired, but happy to finish the grueling race. Plaques were presented to the winners and a big collective pat on the back for all who took part in Mozambique’s toughest cycle race. Although there was only one support vehicle the crew were excellent and kept riders watered and supported for the whole length of the ride. It really was unfortunate for Angelo that he had a puncture while the vehicle was stopped recording the climbers of Goba Hill. Perhaps the next big race will see some more support vehicles taking part.
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