Unstoppable Missi Kanthumba retained the Illovo Classic race title but he failed to match last year's record.

Kanthumba finished the 80km distance in 2:11:44 failing to equal the record which stands at 2:09:28.

During the event, which attracted over 50 cyclists, Kanthumba blamed the drop in performance to the condition of the bicycle he was using.

"This bicycle needs repairs. It was hard for me to bring out my best. However, I did the most important thing and that was to win," he said after dropping by 2 minutes 16 seconds on his time.

The result show that Kanthumba was travelling at 60 km/hr on flat areas and 55 km/hr on steep area.

Kanthumba was followed by budding Kwame Kayira, who crossed the finish line two seconds later after finishing the same distance in 2:11:46 while Leonard Tsoyo was third position after clocking 2:11:50.

Revived Martin Mtawali came fourth after finishing the distance in 2:11:54.

Illovo Group of Companies national sales manager Walter Nyamilandu said it was one of the most exciting races in five years that the sugar firm had been sponsoring the race.

"Look at the turn up for both cyclists and spectators this is impressive. Next year we will come bigger and better. We have also noted that competition is increasing during each year's race. Everybody is aspiring to win. For the first time in three years we have a new number two [Kwame Kayira]," he said.

Nyamilandu said as a trend, the top two cyclists, Kanthumba and Kayira, would compete in next year's Cape Argus race in South Africa.

He also said Tsoyo and Mtawali, who finished third and fourth respectively, would participate in another international race in South Africa next year.