25 Nov 2015

Shadrack Motswiri is the 60km Lobatse mountain bike challenge champion.

He beat a team comprising of some of the most renowned cyclists, among them veteran cyclist Graham Broomhead to clinch the tightly contested race in 02:48 minutes.

The 30-year-old from Gaborone Garage had to work hard on the Lobatse mountainous terrains to beat Gaborone Cycling club Broomhead and Michael Knott who came in second and third, clocking 03:13 and 03:19 minutes respectively.

The 60km challenge proved to be one of the toughest races as some of the able bodied failed to complete the race due to mechanical glitches while for others it was due to weariness.

The mountain bike challenge had other race categories that included the 40km and Molokwane Rankgwathi  who was crowned the winner of the race, seconded by Mokgwe Lebonetse while Mogomotsi Setlhare came third.

In the 20 km category for males, Joshua Bezuidenhout was the winner followed by Cecil Botha and lastly Barwise Theo who scooped position three.

For the 20km category, junior female Janine Dutoil suffocated her rivals as she scooped position one followed by Mpho Molokwane and Alta Malherbe who settled for position three.

In an open category of  20 km females, Zaheera Essof emerged victorious followed by Mmabaledi Mosweu at position two while Cariana Herbst got position three.

In the last category, the 5km race for both young boys and girls, 11 year old  Lily Malherbe showed her peers that she got all what it takes to be a cyclist. 

She clinched position one followed by a 7-year-old Collen Molokwane who scooped position two and lastly Simphiwe Potongwane (6) who was the toast of  many and won the hearts of the cycling enthusiasts scooped position three.

In a side interview with Motswiri, he said he was content with all that was done to make the event a success. 

He appreciated Lobatse landscape albeit  saying  the route was damaged by recent rains and that alone tested their riding skills.

He said a cyclist should work hard and be exposed to different terrains to enhance their capability.

Motswiri said in the past years he mostly participated in athletics but in 2009 Mosa Agamia introduced him to cycling which he said he is now fond of it.

“I extend my earnest appreciation to my sponsor” he said.

For his part, Blue Crystal Sukiri Sales Manager, Joel Baloyi thanked all the participants in Lobatse 2015 mountain bike challenge.

He said they took a decision to be the main sponsores of the inaugural event in 2014 and will continue with their support in the next coming years.

Meanwhile, he decried about lack of medical back up for sportspersons during the event.

He said safety was crucial because athletes were at a greater risk of injuries since they were racing on unsteady routes and assured cyclist that next year their safety will be taken care of.

The event organizer form Spin City Events, Joseph Khengere also extended his appreciation to all participants.

He also expressed disappointment, saying the extravaganza was expected to have included family fun day, static display by local companies, face painting for the kids, jumping castles but due to unforeseen circumstances all the activities failed to see the light of the day.

The 60 km winner got away with P1000 cash prize, certificate of participation, medal,  floating trophy and a cycling jacket by the courtesy of Blue Crystal sukiri.

The second position went away with cash prize of P500, certificate of participation and a medal and all other contenders in other categories walked away with medals and certificate of participation.

The challenge was sponsored by Lobatse Town Council, Spin city and other event sponsors included Masterprint and Ultimate Cycle base who were the timing partners. Ends