25 Oct 2016

The annual Morupule Coal Mine (MCM) General Manager’s Charity Cycling Race got support from cyclists of various cycling clubs across the country.

For the first time, the cycling race saw two new cycling clubs taking part in the race, being Moshupa cycling club and Mutual Cycling club from Zimbabwe.

The race, which was spearheaded by Morupule Cycling club, had been going on since 2010 with the aim to raise funds for charity.

Speaking after the 110 km race yesterday in Serowe, Morupule Coal Mine general manager, David Kgoboko thanked sponsors for the support they gave Morupule Cycling club, particularly the main sponsor Stanbic Bank.

He said since its inception, the race hasd been growing in leaps and bounds having attracted cyclists from various clubs across the country. The race was sponsored by Stanbic Bank to the tune of P200 000.

Morupule cycling club was formed in 2009 with the aim to promote cycling in Palapye and surrounding areas and to contribute to less privileged members of the community through donations.

Kgoboko said the funds raised will go a long way to touch many lives and improve the lives of beneficiaries for the better.

He said part of the funds will be used for construction of classrooms for children living with disability at Ratsie primary school in Palapye.

He also commended the BCL cycling club for competing in the race despite the challenge that the BCL mine is facing.

Cyclists competed in three categories, ranging from 110km to 30km, of which Bernado Ayuso beat all cyclists who competed in the long challenging 110 km race, scooping first position for six consecutive years walking home with P3 000 and a cellphone.

Ayuso clocked 3:09:02 hours in the 110 km race.

The 60km race was won by Thato Madimabe from Tsela Riders cycling club walking away with P1500, whilst Lebopo Mompe from Tsela Riders club won the 30km race and pocketed P800.

Ayuso said in an interview that he is happy to have won the race for six consecutive years.

He said this did not come easily as some may think, adding that it takes intensive training and dedication to win the race.

He said the 110 km route was very challenging as the road was not flat, hence he had to put extra effort particularly that it was windy.

Botswana Cycling Association chairperson, Mmetla Masire thanked all the sponsors for their contribution, adding that the success of the race was made possible by their support.

He also thanked the cyclists who took part in the race, giving a thumb up to Moshupa cycling club and Mutual Cycling club from Zimbabwe for supporting the initiative. ENDS