Kansanshi Mining hosts Zambia’s first UCI cycling…

Kansanshi Mining Plc has hosted Zambia’s first Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)-accredited National Mountain Bike Championship, attracting more than 100 cyclists from across the country. Kansanshi Mining Plc Corporate Affairs Manager, Ryan Ellis, says the mine is proud to create opportunities for Zambian cyclists to compete on the international stage, including qualifying for global competitions such as the Olympic Games. “As First Quantum Minerals, we have always believed in supporting sports in Zambia.

We believe that when you invest in sports, you give people something to hope for and something to inspire them,” Mr Ellis said. Mr Ellis explained that hosting internationally accredited competitions enables Zambian mountain bikers to earn points and qualify for global events. He added that the company is working towards attracting more cyclists from across the country as it prepares to host the African Mountain Bike Championships.

“We can do more work to ensure that we have more riders coming from around the country. That will be a key goal in our future events as we build up to the African Championships,” he said. Meanwhile, Zambia Cycling Association Secretary General, Percy Chikwenda, said hosting internationally recognised Mountain Bike Cross-country Olympic (XCO) and Cross-country Short Track (XCC) championships demonstrates the continued growth of cycling in Zambia.

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“As an association, we look forward to the day when our male and female cyclists will compete at the highest level on the world stage,” Mr Chikwenda said. He noted that although Zambia still has a long way to go in developing cycling, the support of sponsors such as Kansanshi Mining Plc is vital to the growth of the sport. Eleven cyclists emerged victorious in their respective categories and were crowned national champions in the UCI-accredited Mountain Bike Championship.

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