07 Jul 2020

Sprint series kick-started in Gaborone over the weekend with a mountain bike and road race.

Over 40 cyclists competed in 25km mountain bike and 45km road races that were part of a three-pronged  series.

The event took place under strict COVID-19 safety protocols with an allocation of 30 seconds between riders to ensure social distancing.

“Today’s race has been different from other races especially that I have been home not training due to lockdown,” said mountain bike national champion, Gontse Lethokwe.

He said although he did not clock his best time, he hoped to regain his fitness.

Lethokwe said he would train more to reach his target of the year.

For his part, secretary general of Cycle4Life Cycling Club, Othata Pelotona, acknowledged that their events would be done in a different way in order to adhere to safety protocols.

He said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sponsors would not easily commit to events.

He, however, expressed optimism that more sponsors would come on board because government had lifted ban on alcohol sponsorship.

Pelotona encouraged young riders to continue their training plans.

He said the pandemic had affected riders who had been competing in international and local events as well as development of the sport, particularly with inspiring aspiring young cyclists.

Sprint series would continue to stage two this weekend with both mountain and road races at 25km and 45km routes respectively. Ends