SKYE Davidson tackled the wind head-on, breaking away from the peloton five kilometres into the race en route to becoming a National Road Cycling champion on Plumtree Road in Bulawayo last Saturday.
The Scottish-based rider picked a gold medal finishing the 80km race in 2h20 minutes. The second fastest was Helen Mitchell crossing the line 13 minutes later, and Priscilla Mashamba completed the podium placement.
“I attacked after 5km, managed to get a gap and rode away. I hadn’t planned on going that early and found the last 30km very hard riding into a strong headwind, but I kept turning the pedals. Thankfully the gap kept growing, and I managed to win the race,” an ecstatic Davidson told EnterSportNews.
The former junior woman African champion was thrilled to retain the national title she held in 2019.
“In the greater scheme of things, this has given me a huge confidence boost in my ability and a sense of purpose,” she said.
“Cycling is a huge part of my life, and so is racing for Zimbabwe. Being welcomed when I come back here greatly encourages my passion for it when I’m far away and feeling like giving up.”
With the country turning 43 years on Tuesday, Davidson added that she does not lose her identity once she crosses many rivers, seas and oceans. The recent recognition, she adds, will see her wear her national colours with pride and joy while in the UK.
“It’s important to me (winning the national championships) because I am still so Zimbabwean when I’m in the UK. I tell people what it’s like back home and talk about some of the athletes I train and race with when I come back and when we go to Africa Champs. I talk a lot about racing for Zimbabwe – because it’s all I’ve known in this sport, it’s a huge part of my identity. I’ve been doing it for nine years in cycling and 13 years if you count the triathlon days,” Davidson said.
“And the National Championships is a big deal wherever you go – firstly because of the title you get and the jersey (which we’ve never had before, so this is very exciting, the new federation has done a lot to bring up the sport in the last year!), which you can show off overseas and this helps to spread awareness about Zimbabwe as a cycling country.
“And then also the impact it has on the Zimbabweans who get to watch some exciting bike racing, see new National Champions crowned, and see you when you’re out on the roads training every day when you’re here. It all helps to show the local cyclists what is possible for them. With the sport growing as much as it is now, there are more and more riders and clubs getting involved, and more local races being organised all the time.”
The country’s top Female Elite rider, her debut to remember last year in Scotland, winning a gold medal in the Musselburgh Roads Cycling Club’s Eileen Roe Shield Road Race in Dunfermline.
Now she will spot the bright Zimbabwean colours whenever she races back in Europe.
“And talking to our Zimbabwean riders is my favourite way to connect and share stories because we’re all living our versions of trying to be an elite athlete and also put food on the table – something people often don’t quite understand the extent of unless they’ve lived it,” Davidson said.
“And it’s the wonderful Zimbabwean spirit to do it with a smile and a friendly greeting. And for me, it means a lot – winning any race is a special feeling, and your home National Championships is extra special. And now, wearing the jersey overseas, I can show even more people where I come from and what I can do.”
Meanwhile, Davidson has put her celebrations on hold to focus on Weekend’s National Time Trial event in Harare.
