(By Vinjeru Ngwira)
Billy Bilsland, the owner of Billy Bilsland Cycles in Glasgow, UK, has sponsored four Malawian cyclists for the upcoming Cape Town Cycling Tour, set to take place on 9 March 2025 in South Africa.
The sponsorship covers flight tickets, accommodation, and meals for the four athletes as they prepare to compete in the prestigious tournament. This support ensures that the cyclists can focus entirely on their performance without financial burdens.
The Malawian cyclists set to benefit from this sponsorship are Gift Nazombe, aged 21, from Blantyre Cycling Club; Yusuf Major, aged 19, from Lilongwe Cycling Club; Antonial Mantiz Banda from Mzuzu Cycling Club; and Macfeson Mbeya, aged 34.
Billy Bilsland has a history of supporting Malawian cyclists. In 2014, he sponsored two Malawian riders, Mrs. Kathumba and Soil, for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. He also provided bicycles for their tournament. More recently, in 2023, he donated a bike to Macpherson Mbewe to support his cycling career.
The President of the Cycling Federation of Malawi (CFM), Malombo Kayira, expressed his gratitude for Bilslandβs continued support. He acknowledged Bilsland as a crucial figure in the development of cycling in Malawi and thanked him for his generosity.
βI am very happy and thankful for this sponsorship. I believe our athletes will take this opportunity to showcase their talents in the Cape Town Cycling Tour,β said Kayira.
Kayira also extended his appreciation to the Malawi National Council of Sports for their support in preparing the cyclists. He further praised Illovo for its role in organizing the Tour de Dwangwa cycling tournament, which has been vital in identifying cycling talent in Malawi. Additionally, he recognized Farmers World and CFM for their contributions to the sport.
The four cyclists will be camping in Lilongwe from 26 February to 4 March as part of their final preparations before departure. Their training camp will help them sharpen their skills ahead of the international competition.
They are set to leave for South Africa on 5 March 2025, giving them enough time to acclimatize and adjust before the big race.
The Cape Town Cycling Tour, scheduled for 9 March 2025, is expected to attract top cyclists from around the world, making it a great opportunity for Malawian athletes to gain exposure and experience at the international level.
avantmalawi.com