01 Dec 2014

Cycling sensation, Bernado Ayuso, retained the Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) mountain bike championship in Ramotswa over the weekend.

The 21-year-old rider from the Bernado Ayuso Foundation cycling team clocked an impressive 2 hours and 56 seconds to be crowned champion of the intriguing 75kilometres off road race. The race was organised by BCA but hosted by Team Jonmol cycling club of Ramotswa.

Cyclists had to do three laps in a tough terrain, including a hilly area covering around 350 meters, to complete the event.

Ayuso admitted to having worked hard to complete the laps of a route he described as world class. Gaborone Cycling Club youngster Thato Madimabe trailed behind Ayuso with 3 hours 8minutes and 44 seconds in what was a much improved performance from last year’s position five. Former off road champion Jabu Tabulane, who is having a nightmare of a season, came third.

Ramotswa based promising youngster Wame Metseyabangwe became the only lady to participate in the junior’s 25kilometres race.

Another off road prospect 15-year-old Arnold Kokwane was crowned junior male champion in his category after a 50 kilometres loop. In the senior ladies category Agnes Mabika came first while Kagiso Pelopedi came on the second spot.

Speaking on the sidelines of the championships, BCA secretary general Tlamelo Dube was worried about the disappointing turn up of riders for the event.

He attributed the poor attendance to a number of factors amongst them citing that a lot of their affiliates were more into road biking as compared to off road. He also said there was miscommunication about whether the race will be underway owing to last week’s torrential rains.

However he said he was impressed with the level of organisation of the event and the tough route that they set out for riders.

He encouraged riders to turn up for such events as they were on the verge of selecting national team for next year’s regional challenges like the Intercontinental Africa Championships to be hosted in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. ENDS