Crossword Genius

Even cycling finds unexpected zeal around united country (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

venezuela

'country' is the definition.
(Venezuela is an example)

'even cycling finds unexpected zeal around united' is the wordplay.
'cycling' is an anagram indicator.
'finds' says to put letters next to each other.
'unexpected' indicates an anagram.
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'united' becomes 'u' ().
'zeal' is an anagram of 'zela'.
'zela' going around 'u' is 'zuela'.
'even' is an anagram of 'vene'.
'vene'+'zuela'='VENEZUELA'

(Other definitions for venezuela that I've seen before include "state" , "South American country" , "South American republic" , "S American country, capital Caracas" , "Country in S. America" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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