Busoga Masaza cycling finals set to test top contenders

________________

With just days to go until the highly anticipated second edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cycling finals, excitement is at an all-time high among the competing cyclists.

A total of 44 finalists will battle for supremacy, with half competing in the Tippa bike category and the other half in the mountain bike category.

In the mountain bike category, defending champion John Odotto, who has switched from Butembe to Kigulu chiefdom, faces a tougher challenge this year. 

His teammates Lukuman Kazimingi, Luuka’s speedster Mensuramu Magemeso, Wycliffe Bamutazze from Bugabula, Bukono’s Rasco Munyangala, Nelson Lukakamwa from Kigulu, Yazid Kisambira of Bulamogi, Bugabula’s Young Salaka, and Butembe’s sibling duo Michael Lobo and Paul Lumuria are all contenders to watch.

"I have endured some intensive training under very humid weather conditions, but that won't stop me from challenging for the top spot," said Odotto.

Meanwhile, the Tippa bike category promises even more intense competition. Bunha’s Shafik Fama is set to face stiff opposition from Luuka’s Andrew Musitwa, Magidu Kyawa, Bunhole-Bunhanumba’s Tiff Luganda, and Butembe’s Dominic Mugoda.

According to tournament official Fahad Ndalandala, this year's finals will be highly competitive due to the presence of both rising young talent and seasoned cyclists.

"Stakes are high, and the quality of riders has made this year's winners so unpredictable, so we expect an intriguing final," said Ndalandala.

Busoga kingdom’s sports minister, Amin Nkono Bbosa, assured participants that heavy security will be deployed along the race route to prevent any form of cheating.

The 44 cyclists will compete for top prizes, including a motorcycle for the winners in both categories. The runner-up will take home sh2 million, third place will receive sh1 million, while the fourth and fifth-place finishers will earn sh500,000 and sh300,000, respectively.

Dan Kalema, head of the technical team, expects high-speed performances from the riders.

Vice chairperson of the Busoga Cycling Association, Abdallah Adam, noted that this year's route will be shorter than in the first edition, making for an even more intense race.

As a safety measure, Adam emphasised that no cyclist will be allowed to race without a standard bike and a helmet.

Busoga kingdom’s deputy sports minister, Dan Musota, confirmed that each cyclist will be assigned a race number to prevent cheating.

MTN Uganda’s head of sales for the eastern region, Dennis Harindimana, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting sporting activities that promote unity in the kingdom.