15 Oct 2018

Cyclists from across the country, Africa and internationally on October 14 took part in the annual Yarona FM 106.6 Cycle Challenge, which is on its second year running.

The Yarona FM 106.6 Cycle Challenge is a flagship cycle race of Yarona FM radio station, an initiative conceptualised as a means of focusing on the promotion of health and fitness among individuals in Botswana using sports, and in particular cycling. 

In an interview, Yarona FM station manager Kelly Ramputswa said the main aim of the challenge was to grow and develop cycling in Botswana through a premium event that would attract competition from across the continent and grow to the magnitude of regional cyscling. She said the proceeds from the  event would be donated to the Sir Ketumile Masire Foundation. 

“The Sir Ketumile Masire Foundation (SKMF) is dedicated to contributing towards the socio-economic development of our country, and with a specific focus on youth in Botswana. 

We would like to raise awareness of how sport helps the youth develop into tomorrow’s leaders and keeps them away from harm,” she said.

The 106.6 Cycle Challenge race consisted of the main event covering 106 km for seasoned cyclists and the half distance event of 60km for those that are not yet seasoned.

In the females’ category, 106km race, Carla Oberholzer (Demacon Team) got position one with a time of 2:44:36.5 while Zanri Rossouw (Team Clover) settled for second position with a time of 2:44:39.5 and third position went to Kimberley Le Court (Demacon Team) with a time of 2:44:56.4.

In the males’ category, Nolan Hoffman (Team BCX) edged ahead of everyone and landed position one with a time of 2:34:46.3, followed by Gustav Basson (Pro Touch) notching a time of 2:34:46.4 and Advocate Phiri (Team Cycling) who came in position three with a time of 2:34:46.9.

In the females category (60kg), Waynie Odisang (Tsela Riders) attained position one managing a time of 1:57:33.5, Basetsana Keeme (Setobetobe) got position two with a time of 2:12:09.4 and Boitumelo Maplanka (Orapa Cycling) rounded off the top three with a time of 2:19:10.6.

In the male category, 60km race, Aleck Musariri (Tsela Riders) scooped position one with a time of 1:45:58.5, Lefika Maapatsane (JonMol) got position two with a time of 1:47:35.7 and Boikhutso Matebu (Stanbic) completed the top three with a time of 1:48:40.3. ENDS