Uganda cyclists fall out of tight race

Aug 03, 2014

Poor weather, slippery ground and lack of experience all combined to see both the two Ugandan cyclists bow out of the Commonwealth Games road race in Glasgow

By Norman Katende

Commonwealth Games

168.2km road Cycling final

1 Geraint Thomas (WAL) 4:13.05
2 Jack Bauer (NZL) 4:14.26
3 Scott Thwaites (ENG) 4:14.25
Leon Matovu (UGA) DNF
Sabastian Kigongo (UGA) DNF


Poor weather, slippery ground and lack of experience all combined to see both the two Ugandan cyclists bow out of the Commonwealth Games road race in Glasgow.

Sabastian Kigongo and Leon Matovu were the two representatives for Uganda at the Games in the 168.2km race event, but like most cyclists could not reach the half way mark. 

Wales’ Geraint Thomas hung on to win a surprise gold.

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Sabastian Kigongo and Leon Matovu after falling out of the race. Photos/Mpalanyi Ssentongo

They all opted out as the race that attracted 140 cyclists had less than 15 making it to the finish line with a nagging drizzle and cold winds taking their toll.

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Poor weather, slippery ground and lack of experience caused the two riders problems

“It was a very tough race. Our bicycles could not push. We tried our level best but the roads were too slippery for us. Many of our friends have fallen and have injured themselves,” said Kigongo moments after he pulled out of the race.

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Only less than half of the 140 contenders finished the race

The competition, which involved riding through central Glasgow in loops, attracted a lot of spectators who were not deterred by the rains as they cheered on every cyclist, regardless of which country they were from.

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Poor weather conditions caused several riders problems

No contender from Africa managed to make it to the finish despite Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Ghana and Uganda entering more than one athlete to the event

 

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