10 Nov 2017

Tsela Riders in conjunction with Mascom wireless have announced that the third Annual Mascom Cycle challenge will be held on December 3 at the Airport Junction Mall.

Speaking during a press conference in Gaborone on November 9, Mascom Wireless chief commercial officer, Onkutule Masima said it  was through sports that they gave back to Batswana and contributed towards improving the lives of ordinary people.

Masima said sport was universally compelling as it had the ability to cut through cultural barriers that may divide people, but create overnight heroes.

“I am happy to be here with you again this year as we launch yet another exciting Mascom Cycling Challenge,” he said.

He said their mandate was to grow participation in cycling as a sport and provide a platform for cyclists who were at different levels of professionalism to challenge themselves in the race categories available at Mascom Cycle Challenge.

The main event is a 110km race; from Airport Junction to Malotwane and back, targeting advanced riders.

There will also be a 60km ride for intermediate riders and a 30km fun ride for beginners.

Last year, the event attracted 197 cyclists, but this year organisers are anticipating participation target of over 300 cyclists.

In order to spice up this year’s challenge, organisers have introduced the yellow jersey for podium finishers as an added incentive for the participants to earn a memorabilia and one of a kind cycling jersey to boast about as they participate in other cycling events locally and internationally.

Mascom has sponsored this year’s challenge to the cost of P233 000 an increase from last year’s P185 000.

“We hope this sponsorship will go a long way in assisting Tsela Riders to hold a world class event and reach as many cycling enthusiasts to encourage them to sign up in their numbers,” Masima said.

For her part ,Tsela Riders cycling youth representative Bakang Ebuilwe said the challenge kept her cycling and out of trouble.

She encouraged the youth to register for the challenge in numbers. ENDS