SYDNEY MUBAIWA
GWERU- This year’s annual three- day premier cycling event, Nedbank Tour De Great Dyke is set for 6 to 8 November. Professional and amateur cyclists will seek to outdo each other in the over 300km race from Selous to Zvishavane.
The annual three- day cycling event, organised by Ya FM and Nedbank Zimbabwe, will once again traverse the historic route, showcasing scenic sites, resilience and immense business opportunities within the Great Dyke Geological Complex .
As in previous years, the tour will feature three main laps: Selous–Kwekwe, Kwekwe–Shurugwi, and Shurugwi–Zvishavane. Each stretch offers a mix of endurance challenges and community engagement, drawing residents and businesses together in celebration of sport, wellness, and economic opportunity.
A major new feature in this year’s edition is the introduction of an 80-kilometre competitive race from the Unki turnoff in Shurugwi to Zvishavane. The race, described as “nail-biting,” is expected to attract elite cyclists and raise the competitive edge of the event, testing participants’ stamina, strategy, and teamwork.
Ya FM project manager Ebson Hungwe said preparations were going on smoothly, with around 300 cyclists expected to participate.
“Each year the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke grows stronger and more inspiring. This year, we are thrilled to welcome cyclists from Mozambique, which adds an exciting international flavour and demonstrates how the Great Dyke story continues to resonate beyond our borders,” he said.
Running under the theme “Riding for Opportunity, Wellness and Charity,” the 2025 edition emphasises the importance of physical and mental wellbeing while also focusing on community empowerment and philanthropy.
“Wellness has become a buzz word for mining communities and the people of the Great Dyke,” Hungwe added. “Through this tour, we are encouraging healthier lifestyles, teamwork, and mental resilience while also giving back to those who need support the most.”
Proceeds from this year’s event will go towards the Gifted Children Foundation, an initiative that supports talented but underprivileged children across the Great Dyke through education and mentorship.
With the Great Dyke accounting for over 60% of Zimbabwe’s mining revenue, the event also serves as a platform to promote investment and collaboration. Sponsors will have opportunities to interact with thousands of residents through vibrant activities in towns and cities along the route.
Since its inception, the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke has evolved into more than just a sporting event — it has become a symbol of unity, endurance, and community development, blending business and social responsibility along Zimbabwe’s mineral heartland.
