After a well-earned night’s rest in Kwekwe, cyclists taking part in the 8th edition of the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke have left the mining town and are now making their way towards Gweru — undeterred by the chilly, overcast conditions that have swept across the Midlands province.
The cyclists began their journey in Selous on Thursday, marking the start of the three-day endurance and charity tour that celebrates the Great Dyke’s role in Zimbabwe’s cultural and economic identity. The event, running under the theme “Riding for Opportunity, Wellness and Charity,” aims to promote healthy living, community engagement, and social impact while raising funds for the Gifted Children Foundation, which supports underprivileged learners.
Day one of the tour was filled with colour and excitement, with enthusiastic crowds turning out in Chegutu and Kadoma to cheer on the peloton. Schoolchildren lined the roads waving flags and singing songs of encouragement, capturing the spirit of unity and purpose that defines the tour.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came at Martin Spur Secondary School, where cyclists were greeted by jubilant students as they crossed the railway line into the school grounds. The learners received book donations from Men for Equality, an organisation promoting education and empowerment in communities along the Great Dyke.
After several energetic stopovers, the cyclists reached Kwekwe late in the afternoon, where they were hosted at Pick n Pay, and the day concluded with a major announcement from Nedbank Zimbabwe — confirming that the bank will be returning to Kwekwe in 2026 as part of its continued expansion and community engagement efforts.
Today, as the peloton pedals steadily towards Gweru, passing through the heart of the Great Dyke corridor, the determination and resilience of the riders remain evident despite the cold drizzle and slippery roads.
The Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke will continue through Shurugwi on Friday before concluding in Zvishavane on Saturday, where an elite 80km race will cap off the 2025 edition — a celebration of wellness, opportunity, and charity across Zimbabwe’s mineral-rich heartland.
