Twende Butiama tour renamed Nyerere Cycling Tour

DAR ES SALAAM: MAJOR milestone for the growth of cycling in Tanzania, Tanzania Cycling Association (CHABATA) in Partnership with Vodacom has officially announced the renaming of the Twende Butiama cycling tour to the Nyerere Cycling Tour. The partners also unveiled the Vodacom Coastal Classic, a new 109-kilometre cycling race aimed at placing Tanzania on the international cycling map.

Since its inception in 2016, the tour has honoured the enduring legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere by promoting equal opportunities through improved learning environments, the construction of sanitation facilities, and the provision of learning equipment for students with special needs, ensuring that every child has access to quality education.

To date, the initiative has reached more than 107 schools, improving the lives of over 75,000 students through the construction of inclusive and modern classrooms that meet the needs of all learners.

The Vodacom Tanzania Foundation began partnering with CHABATA to sponsor the tour four years ago. During that period, the event has grown fourfold, attracting participants from across Tanzania, East Africa, and beyond. This year’s tour will take place from October 5 to 14, 2026, with cyclists travelling from Bagamoyo to Butiama.

To better reflect its mission of honouring Mwalimu Nyerere’s legacy while evolving into an internationally recognised cycling event, the tour will officially be known as the Nyerere Cycling Tour starting this year.

The theme for this year’s event is to promote cycling and position Tanzania as a recognised destination on the global cycling calendar. In collaboration with CHABATA, Vodacom Tanzania is also launching the Vodacom Coastal Classic, a premier 109-kilometre cycling race featuring both male and female cyclists.

The race will begin in Dar es Salaam, head north to Makurunge in the Coast Region, and finish at the historic Old Boma in Bagamoyo, covering a total distance of 109 kilometres. The inaugural edition will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, one day before the start of the Nyerere Cycling Tour. Going forward, Vodacom Tanzania plans to stage the race annually on the first Sunday of October.

More than 400 cyclists from Tanzania and around the world are expected to participate in the inaugural race.

“We want to grow this sport,” said Nguvu Kamando, Director of Vodacom Business. “Every day we see cyclists on our roads, whether professionals or recreational riders. There is no reason why Abella from Mwanza or Saidi from Shinyanga should not compete here in Tanzania and on international stages. What they need are the right equipment and proper training. The Vodacom Coastal Classic is designed to inspire and encourage more Tanzanians to take up cycling.”

Gabriel Landa, founder of the Nyerere Cycling Tour, said the event has grown beyond being just a cycling tour.

“The Nyerere Cycling Tour is about carrying forward Mwalimu Nyerere’s vision of dignity and equal opportunity for every Tanzanian. Renaming the event in his honour, while introducing the internationally oriented Vodacom Coastal Classic, marks the beginning of a new chapter. We are building a platform where Tanzanian talent can flourish and attract cyclists from around the world to compete in Tanzania,” he said.