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THE KINGDOM ON TWO WHEELS
MBABANE– The Kingdom of Eswatini officially launched one of its most exciting additions to the sports tourism calendar on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, as the Border to Border Cycle Tour held its highly anticipated launch event. The actual race is set to take place on June 13, 2026, giving cyclists and supporters just weeks to prepare for what promises to be a landmark occasion. With close to 100 cyclists already registered and a major sponsorship commitment secured, the event is poised to become a landmark fixture not only in Eswatini but across the Southern African region.
Strong Registration Numbers, International Interest Grows
Mxolisi Shongwe, representing the Border to Border Cycle Tour, delivered an encouraging update on registrations during the launch proceedings. He confirmed that close to 100 cyclists have signed up for the inaugural edition of the event, with over 80 percent of those registrations coming from South Africa.
Shongwe expressed excitement at the growing interest from beyond the Kingdom’s borders, noting that confirmations have already been received from Mozambique, signalling that the Border to Border Cycle Tour is gaining traction as a regional drawcard. He further shared that the organising team is actively looking forward to welcoming even more international cyclists as the event continues to grow.
Eswatini Tourism Authority: A Platform for a Royal Experience
The Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) added its weight to the occasion through the remarks of its Marketing Manager Wakhile Zwane, who represented ETA CEO Vusie N. Dlamini at the launch. The address articulated a clear and compelling vision for what the Border to Border Cycle Tour means for the Kingdom.
“Border2Border is more than a cycling event. It is a platform that showcases the beauty, culture, hospitality, and adventure that make Eswatini a unique tourism destination,” Zwane said.
Through sports tourism, the ETA sees an opportunity to create tangible opportunities for communities and businesses, while continuing to position the Kingdom under its signature brand promise of being A Royal Experience.
Small on the Map, Massive in Heart
Perhaps the most evocative remarks of the evening came from William Kelly, President of the Eswatini Cycling Association (ECA), who painted a vivid and passionate portrait of the country that will serve as the canvas for this extraordinary cycling event.
“Eswatini is small on the map but massive in heart. We have hills that test your legs, roads that stretch across the countryside in Southern Africa, and a people whose spirit doesn’t quit,” Kelly said with conviction. He emphasised that the Border to Border Cycle Tour was built precisely to showcase those qualities, giving cyclists from across the continent and the world the opportunity to experience the full depth of what this Kingdom has to offer.
AlphaSz Commits E100,000 and a Vision for the World Stage
One of the most significant highlights of the launch was the announcement of a E100,000 sponsorship from AlphaSz, injecting considerable momentum into the event’s maiden edition. The contribution underscores the growing confidence of the private sector in sports tourism as a vehicle for economic development and brand visibility in Eswatini.
In her remarks, AlphaSz CEO Thandile Nxumalo was candid about the depth of her company’s belief in the event, making clear that the partnership goes far beyond corporate social investment. “This goes beyond CSI,” she said, articulating a long-term vision that sees the Border to Border Cycle Tour growing from its current registration numbers of close to 100 cyclists to eventually attracting thousands.
Nxumalo went further, expressing her aspiration to see a Border to Border cyclist one day carry Eswatini’s name onto the global stage, placing the Kingdom firmly on the world cycling map. It was a bold and inspiring declaration that was warmly received by all in attendance.
A Portrait of Appreciation
In a touching gesture that encapsulated the spirit of the evening, the Border to Border Cycle Tour team presented AlphaSz with a portrait as a token of appreciation for the company’s generous sponsorship and unwavering belief in the event. The presentation was met with warm applause, marking a memorable moment of partnership and shared vision between sport, business, and the broader ambition to put Eswatini on the global tourism map.
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