26 Aug 2018

The annual Mascom Cycling Challenge organisers are expecting another fun filled yet physically strenuous race billed to take place on September  16.

Speaking on the sidelines of the mouthwatering P250 000 sponsorship and race launch recently, Tsela Riders Cycling Club chairperson, Charles Vaughn said after a dry spell in the local road racing events they were hopeful that a good number of riders would turn up for the race.

The cycling expedition, one of the flagship events in the local cycling calendar, would feature an elite 110 kilometres trail and a 60 km ride which includes a race for youth and veterans.

The physically taxing route will be on a new exciting route starting at the Central Business Districts’ Three Dikgosi Monument coiling around the city before heading to the A1 highway all the way to Rasesa and Malotwane in Kgatleng District.

The year 2018 is the time when main sponsor, Mascom, celebrates 20 years of existence and as an incentive, they have agreed to have P10 000 prize money each for the first man and woman to cross the finish line in the 110 km race.

The Mascom Cycling Challenge started in 2015 through a partnership with Tsela Rides Cycling Club.

Since the partnership started, the race has seen tremendous growth. Organisers are looking to further grow the event as it continues to provide a platform for cyclists to improve their skill.

Vaughn noted that there were also raising awareness of cyclists as road users.

In 2017, the Mascom Cycle Challenge attracted 97 cyclist, this year organisers are targeting participation of up to 200 cyclists.

Zimbabwean riders Nkulumo Dube won the elite race while local youngster Abeng Malete became the overall winner after he registered an impressive 2 hours and 40minutes to complete the race. ENDS