19 Sep 2019

Jwaneng Cycling Club member, Abeng Malete is set to compete alongside NCCS Pro Cycling team as a guest rider at the three-day five stage Tour de Windhoek slated for Namibia from today.

The Tour de Windhoek is in its third year now and starts today with a 110km race in the morning and a team time trial in the afternoon.

 The second day of the tour will have two stages with a road race and a criterium race, whilst the fifth stage comprises of a few loops and two laps.

In an interview on Wednesday, Malete shared that his performance at the just ended African Games in Morocco earned him an invitation to the Windhoek episode.

“I have also ridden with them in South Africa and this is a great opportunity for me. It is a UCI accredited race and points earned from the competition will boast my cycling profile.”

It will be Malete’s first appearance at Tour de Windhoek.

The 22-year-old revealed that he maximises on such opportunities to gain experience and apply such locally.

“Racing in these tours enhances my physical strength, unlike here where races are just a day,” said Malete.

He added that he was going to the tour to learn more. Secretary general of Jwaneng Cycling Club, Poloko Kegaisitse said the club was excited about Abeng’s participation at the tour.

She said he woud not only be representing Jwaneng Club but the country.

“His dedication and commitment to cycling has been inspirational and he has set the bar very high for his teammates as well as fellow cyclists across the country,” stated Kegaisitse.

She added that Malete’s participation would motivate their development team and other young cyclists that they were capable and strong enough to also partake in such events.

 The club official said they strive to promote, develop and facilitate cycling amongst the youth with assistance from companies such as Debswana, Komatsu, IMS, Kgaga, Majwe Mining and Cresta.

Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) secretary general, Tlamelo Dube expressed gratitude towards the invitation, asserting that the tour would help Malete inflate on lessons learnt at the African Games.

Dube said the talented Malete had overcome challenges and that it was now time for him to get experience outside.

“This is a plus, not only for his club, but the association because he will gain more experience and be able to share the skills with other riders locally when he comes back,” noted Dube.

He said the Tour de Windhoek would also help him as preparatory training for the coming 2nd Africa Cup Cycling scheduled for South Africa next month.

Last year’s Tour de Windhoek winner, South African Nolan Hoffman has been a regular champion in Botswana cycling races. ENDS