30 Jul 2018

South African upcoming professional off road rider, Stuart Marais sprinted to victory in an exciting photo finish of the annual Dimension Data Route 73 race held on Sunday (July 29).

Marais clocked 2:59.00 to complete the grueling 73km mountain bike challenge ahead of his close rivals, Wessel Botha and Timothy Hammonds, who finished bumper to bumper on 2:59.11 and 2:59.12 after him, producing a spectacular finish much to the delight of the spectators who braced the warm morning to witness the challenge.

Marais, who looked extremely excited about grabbing the first spot, pocketed P25 000 cash prize for the overall victory.

In the elite female 73km category, it was an all-South African affair as Amy McDougal, Theresa Ralp and Venesa Bell grabbed all the podium spots.

Another interesting duel was in the 50km open category, where former teammates, Arnold Kokwane and Abeng Malete wrestled for the first spot.

Jon Moll cycling club’s Kokwane raced for 2:19.20 to grab the first spot, while Malete on the runner-up completed the 50km in 2:23.22

In the 73km juniors, Sandile Slaze from Setobetobe Cycling Club in Francistown, inched past Calvin Zambane for the first spot while in the female category, under 23, Nonofo Maswabi registered 5:13.10 for the first spot.

Veteran cyclist, Sean McCormick beat the likes of Mark Colley and Oteng Sebonego for the 73km veterans’ category. In the masters division, Warren Lane beat former champion, Seamus Oneil for the spot in just under 3:50.52, while Sandy Kelly followed on the third position nine minutes later.

Local old-timer female rider, Comine Bruwer was declared the overall in the veteran division and coming second before her was Ashley Tonder.

The Cycle for Life annual July mountain bike race was held in partnership with Dimension Data who popped up a P350 000 sponsorship.

According to race organisers, the off road challenge was well planned and executed as it continued to attract professional riders from across the borders.

The challenge included 73km, 50km, 43km, 23km and kiddies 5km race routes catering for all levels of fitness and the 5km was a fun ride for kids.

The scenic route took riders from the breathtaking Fairview gardens near Bokaa to Bela Bela turn off.

It coiled along the A1 highway and crisscrossed the Morwa and Metsimotlhabe bridges up to the picturesque Kopong foothills providing a physically taxing challenge.

The race overall prize money also signified 25 years the title sponsors Dimension Data has been operating in Botswana. ENDS