19 Sep 2014

Mountain bikers are getting ready for the annual Pick n Pay Mmokolodi Scorpion MTB Challenge billed for Mmokolodi Natural Reserve on September 21.

The event organised by Gaborone Cycling Club (GCC), will this year be sponsored to the tune of P50 000 by Pick n Pay, which has also financed the 11 previous editions. Race organiser Seamus O’Neill explained on Wednesday that the competition will be in the 55km and 20km categories, as well as the kiddies five kilometre race.

He said the 55km race will be the major part of the event in terms of prize money and competition among the top cyclists. “It will be an extremely competitive event this year. I think we must have at least ten riders that would all vie for the top three places in the event,” Oneill said in a press conference.

He explained that the race’s route passes through the world’s view area which is one of the biggest climbs in Mmokolodi.  The race will start at 8am for the 55km and 8:30am for the 20km event.

Oneill added that they were expecting about 200 local and foreign riders to take part in the weekend meet. Pick n Pay official Kealogile Moagae said the company was proud to have sponsored the competition for twelve consecutive years.

“Cycling is a growing sport in Botswana.  Pick n Pay Botswana is therefore proud to be part of this sport of cycling and particularly the Scorpion MTB Challenge. Over the years the number of those taking part in the event has been growing.  Pick n Pay Botswana is excited to play a role in the growth of cycling and sport in Botswana,” she said.

GCC chairman Mogomotsi Setlhare thanked Pick n Pay for sponsoring the competition, saying he expected the event this year to be the biggest and best they have ever organised. ENDS