There is a race in Spain known as the Subida Urkiola. It is a killer. Only pure climbers shine there. Pacing doesn’t really help much because it is very steep.

Well, it just about happened in Maputo. A city where some say that it is impossible to put together a tough course. But that myth just disappeared this past Sunday when 16 fearless riders decided to tackle the Maputo Criterium.

Well, hello everyone and welcome to the race report.

Before I actually move on to the action, I would like to thank a few people that helped make this race a success. The same people that are always there for the sport through thick and thin.

Colette and Richard Fair for handling the race. Joaquim Ussaca for handling the boards and taking the photos. Paulo Sales and Malaia for handling the KOM bonus spot. Salma for bringing the chairs, cooler box, drinks etc. Jorge Santos for brining the prizes. Adam (my dad) for driving the support vehicle. The fans from Connerstone for cheering the riders. I also noticed some photos being taken from along the roadside by people we have never seen before, thanks for being there. To Radio Mocambique for showing your interest in helping this wonderful sport. The Municipality of Maputo and the Police for your support. Danilo and James Leggatt for doing an excellent job with Marshalling the peloton during the Neutral laps. THANK YOU ALL.

On Sunday the weather was excellent for cycling action in the city. That action brought about quite a few drastic changes to the General Classification of the “COPA de CICLISMO de MOCAMBIQUE.

The race began at 08:20 The first 25 km (5 Laps) was neutral zone and ridden under the watchful eyes of two Marshals (Danilo and James). Immediately after the completion of the fifth lap the speed increased dramatically. The 9% gradient was attacked with an average speed of close to 30km/hr.

Very few managed to go with the pace. Tim Fair was the strong man on the day and took just about every first bonus spot he could lay his legs on. He picked up a solid 135 bonus points. James Leggatt put in a good fight and cycled away with a firm 70 bonus points and helped himself to second place. James Wyder rode his first race in the cup and stormed himself into third place and cruised with 40 bonus points. So, yes that was the podium.

The biggest surprise came from non other than Carlos Sales who rode a smart race taking a credible fourth place with Tim Born in fifth. They rode a fine race outlasting the bunch they were in.

Another small group of riders made up of Danilo, Imran and Alvaro (Zeca) put together a chase to catch Carlos and Tim, but they proved to be much stronger on the day.

Unfortunately Jorge had a mechanical problem with his Bottom Bracket and had to end his race very early. A total of 8 riders did not finish the gruesome race and that included some big names like David Lambert and Ernst Prinsloo amongst others.

Messias rode his first road race in the Cup and just about decided that he had picked the wrong race to make his debut.

But I am certain that we have not seen the last of these fearless riders. They will be back on July 2, 2006 when we head on into Namaacha. The roads of the city of Maputo will be ready for us again for The “Maputo City Tour” which will be a fast and held on a much less painful route than the “Maputo Criterium”

To all those who participated, Thank you. You are the reason why cycling will grown in Mozambique.