The Tanzania Cycling Association (CHABATA) will today hold a race in Chanika, Dar es Salaam in which three cyclists will be selected to represent the country at the coming Rwanda international championship slated for next weekend.

CHABATA secretary general Lado Haule said yesterday that the cyclists will compete in a 75 km race which will start at a junction of Chanika to Mvuti area before racing to Kisarawe in Pwani District.

Haule said currently the country has three cyclists who are eligible to compete at the top international cycling races.

He named the cyclists as Richard Laizer, Khamis Hussein and John Kitive.

The secretary general said today’s race has attracted cyclists from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Shinyanga, Mwanza and Arusha regions.

He said this will be the second time for the country to compete at top international events, the first one being in Rwanda last year.

He said on top of exposing cyclists to international competitions, the tournament will also help the country to be recognized as a country which has top cyclists.

Last year the country received eight bicycles from the International Cycling Federation.

“These races are of great importance, not only to cyclists but also to the nation as we get recognized by international bodies which in most cases help us with materials to promote the game in the country,” he said.

Haule also asked the corporate world to help his association financially so that it can promote the sport to other parts of the country.

He said currently CHABATA is failing to penetrate to all parts of the country as it did not have funds.