21 Jun 2016

Thuso Letlhare pulled a surprise when he won 110 km open male race during Karowe Diamond Mine Cycle Challenge 2016 on June 19.

The 18-year-old from Morupule cycling club snatched the title that seemed beyond reach as he and other cyclists who were in the first and second batch proceeded beyond turn around point of therace.

They had cycled beyond turn around point for about 15 km and made u-turn upon notification.

Letlhare, who grew up in Serowe, had to stop at some point to assist his team mate, Lulu Telekelo, who had a puncture and this nearly robbed them of the title. 

However, they were able lead the race for about 70 km.

Towards the finish line, he was able to make a quick sprint that earned him the tittle and his team mate Telekelo came second after cycling beyond 110. Thalefhang Moesi came third.

He said in an interview that after realising that he proceeded beyond turn around point he was discouraged but with the encouragement from Telekelo he surged forward.

Letlhare who is junior cyclist and devoted member of Roman Catholic Church thanked God for giving him strength to finish the race.

He was participating in the over 100 km race for the second time having been racing in the 60km.

He also thanked this team mates saying that they worked as a team to overcome the windy atmosphere.

For his part, Telekelo who had also pinned his hopes on winning the race but did not succeed said he was glad that the race was won by his team mate.

In the female category, 20-year-old Bakang Ebudilwe scooped 110 km open race tittle while Promise Ntshese and Kagiso Pelopedi came second and third respectively.

Mahalapye born, Ebudilwe won Kalahari challenge this year and has participated at AFCON Championships.

Abeng Malete got position one in 110 km under 23 male category,Amogelang Thwabi came second while Bannabothe Moalafhi came third.

In all 110 km race camps walked away with P1000 second price was P 750 and third price was P500, and price money were accompanied by trophies.

Officiating at the event Member of Parliament for Boteti East, Sethomo Lelatisitswe said though most citizens aspire to go to work with their own cars, bicycles are healthier alternative mode of transport.

Lelatisitswe said bicycles have health benefits and they are quick and affordable mode of transport.

Among other benefits, he said they can reduce traffic congestion, have lowest carbon monoxide emissions as such improves air quality and reduces noise pollution.

He also said cycling helped build an active citizenry and also break down patterns of getting around.

“Cyclist feels the camaraderie towards fellow cyclist and often shares the same challenges of mounting hills and share the thrill of sliding down these hills.”

He said this experience cannot be shared by motorist towards each other.

He expressed hope that cycling will continue to gain popularity as more and more people now realise its benefits.

“By participating on this race you are a winner because you are keeping fit”

The cycling challenge was a fund raising event to help the less privileged members of the community. ENDS