05 Dec 2017

JonMol rider, Abeng Malete is the 2017 U23 110km Mascom Cycle Challenge champion.

Malete hit the finish line with a time of 2:40:06, followed by Advocate Phiri of Morupule Cycling Club with a time 2:40:27, while position three went to Sethomo Masepe of BotRail with 2:47:58 on December 3.

A fierce battle ensued between Malete, Phiri and Thata Molale of Jwaneng Cycling club, who made their intentions clear at the start of the race.
Their pace left some people wondering if they had the stamina to hold on until the finish line and it was not clear as to which cyclist will draw the blood first.

Although it was drizzling, that did not deter cyclists to prove their mettle and their good performance was probably due the cool weather.

However, at Malotwana turn, Molale pulled back and it was only Malete and Phiri  who were neck and neck. The duo kept spectators on their toes as it was not easy to predict an outright winner.

As they approached Sebele, Malete, who seemed like he wanted it more, attacked in the last kilometres to claim victory.

Malete said in an interview that his race plan was to break away from the start, adding that he took three cyclist head on and went with them all the way.
“From the beginning, it was quite challenging, but I made sure that I work very hard, as the race was not easy,” he said.

In the 110km junior male, position one went to Thabiso Mokalake of Tsela Riders with 02:53:45 followed by Thabang Masepe of BotRail.

In the 110km female open category Segomotso Ditlhakeng of JonMol scooped position one with a time of  03:40:59, followed by Gobona Mantle of GCC with 03:41:10, while Boitshepo Lesele of JonMol settled for position three with 03:45:10. BOPA