20 Oct 2015

Cyclists from different cycling clubs around the country participated in the Botswana Cycling Association 2015 National Road Race, which was held at Sefhophe over the weekend.

The competition, which was organised by Motloutse Cycling Club from Selebi Phikwe, attracted 171 riders. 

The main race was the 160km stretch, which was won by Lulu Tekelelo from Jwaneng Cycling Club in 4:39:55. Only 41 males took part in the main race.

The competition also included a 90km male race, which was won by Moagisi Mafoko from Tsela Riders in 2:47:59, while the reigning long distance female cycling champion, Anouk Van Der Geest from Tsela Riders won the national 90km female category in 2:47:35.

In the 60km male category, Oduetse Kgoboge from Tsela Riders scooped the first post clocking 1:59:45, while Clearance Abel took the female category clocking 2:40:10.

The 30km male race category was won by Alan Tlhabano in 1:11:57 while Patience Showa came first in the female category in 2:40:10.

Bennet Jake came first in the 10km male category by clocking 0:36:46 while Chawada Mosetlha won the female category in 0:36:12. In an interview, BCA president, Mmetla Masire said the cycling event was a national championship race that takes place annually. 

Masire said the competition gives the association the opportunity to select the national cycling team. 

He said the national road race also gives cyclists the opportunity to qualify for continental and international competitions.

He explained that the national road race was the most important race and was sanctioned by BCA. 

“The competition gives winners access to other international events if they decide to participate in them,” he said.

As part of their strategy, Masire said they would be hosting the national championship in other places around the country. He further commended Motloutse Cycling Club for hosting a successful event and applauded all the participants and sponsors of the event. 

The cycling association, he explained, chose Motloutse Cycling Club to host the competition as a means to recognise them for the work they have done in growing the sport in the last few years. 

For his part, Segwabe Segwabe of Sefhophe thanked BCA and Motloutse Cycling Club for holding the competition in Sefhophe. Besides serving as a source of entertainment in the village, he said the event marketed Sefophe. 

He also noted that the competition would encourage youth in his village to engage in the sport.

He said sport plays a major role in people’s lives because it keeps them healthy, strong and focused, adding that it also keeps youth engaged and away from engaging in deviant behaviour. Participants at the national cycling event won medals and prices in monetary form. Ends