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ZIMBABWE is set to play host to BMX riders from two European countries Serbia and The Netherlands in this weekend’s African Championships at Busters BMX Club in Bulawayo.

Organisers confirmed this yesterday and said some of the participating countries will arrive today.

From Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Ivory Coast, South Africa and Malawi have confirmed  their participation at one of Southern Africa’s faced courses.  Malawian Andrew Mkwezalamba will be guest of honour. He is the president of that country’s cycling federation.

The Zimbabwe Cycling Federation member responsible for BMX sport Kudakwashe Mswaka confirmed the developments  yesterday.  “The guest of honour will be Andrew Mkwezalamba the President of the Malawi Cycling Federation. Guests expected to attend include Government officials, Councillor Dumisani Nkomo, representatives from the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, Sport and Recreation Commission, Ministry of Education representatives and business leaders,” said Mswaka.

She said dozens of riders were expected to take part.

“More than 80 riders are expected to race on Sunday. Over 40 young Zimbabwe riders from the age of five and above will be competing in the sport. It provides them  an opportunity to challenge themselves and push their limits both mentally and physically,” said Mswaka.

Participants will have a feel of the facility on Saturday after registering with the competition set for Sunday November 5.

An added incentive to participation in this year’s is that the Union of Cyclists International will award points towards rankings.

These points are key to qualification for the World BMX Championships set for May 2024.  “They may open a gateway to the 2024 Olympics,” said Mswaka.

France will play host to the Olympics next year.  Bicycle Motorcross originated the US in the 1970s with kids riding on dirty tracks before it was regularised and made a formal sport code.

With the sport gaining popularity, it gave birth to distinct manufacturers of such bikes late into the 1970s.