15 Apr 2019

Despite tough competition from the South African cyclist Nolan Hoffman, local cyclists, Abeng Malete and Thabiso Mokalake put their best performance forward to emerge second and third place winners  respectively during the Airport Junction Race for Cancer cycle challenge on April 14.

Hoffman from Team Enza conquered the race under the 120km elite challenge and walked away P12 000 richer, while Malete on the second place got P6 000 and a bonus of P5 000 as a first Motswana to get to the finish line. Mokalake won himself P3 000.

Hoffman, who is a regular champion in the local cycling challenges, finished the race at 2:48:49.1 at 42km/h while Malete of Jwaneng Cycling club finished at 2:50:42.5 and Mokalake completed with a time of 2:50:42.9.

Describing the race, Hoffman said a bike race in the city was always challenging.

He said he was glad that the weather was bit favourable.

Hoffman further said local riders were getting stronger but needed to work harder to keep up with the pace.

“While we were at the halfway mark with about four riders, I had to get rid of them and not take a chance to allow them race with me until the finish line,” he said.

He explained that he had to take a gamble at the turn around point giving him a lead adding that he had to keep pushing for the last 30km.

Hoffman further said he always targeted local races as they were good preparation for other races.

He said his focus was the Tour de Limpopo; a six-day race, which will be held in May.

Malete of Jwaneng Cycling club said it was not an easy ride as it was difficult to break away from the start as teams were strong.

“I kept on going harder until Hoffman went with us and I kept chasing him and ended staying away just like that,” Malete said. He also concurred with Hoffman that he lost the plot at the turnaround and that they could no longer keep up with him as he is very strong.

He, however, said he was impressed with his time saying it showed that his hardwork was paying off.  He applauded the organisers for a sterling job as they ensured that they controlled traffic diligently and kept the riders safe.

Malete’s next race will be the First Capital Bank Cycling challenge scheduled for end of April.

Khumo Property Asset Management marketing and communications manager, Kagiso Makole celebrated the successful hosting of the Race for Cancer. Makole indicated that the race also marked the centre’s seven years of operation and that part of their Corporate Social Responsibility was to raise awareness for cancer.

Makole said the challenge attracted more than 200 cyclists including some international cyclists. She added that the funds raised would be channeled to Cancer Association of Botswana and partly assists Chain Ring cycle race from Kasane to Gaborone scheduled for later this year; a ride which is also for cancer awareness.

Race for Cancer cycle challenge is a partnership between Chain Ring and Cycle4Life, Khumo Properties and is sponsored by Airport Junction Mall. ENDS