23 Jul 2020

The Lifecycle Events and Timing COVID-19 Sprint Series final stage is scheduled to take place this weekend. 

The final stage is expected to be a mix of competition and celebration as riders will be sprinting outside Gaborone in the Notwane area and in the Boatle/Mmankgodi route, with both mountain bike (MTB) and road race respectively. 

The second stage was a road race on the Kopong/Lentsweletau route on July 12, whilst the MTB took place on July 11 within the Kgale area.

The race will see things heat up as riders hit the trails as every local team with sprinters is expected to be at the front. 

The COVID-19 sprint series is not so much about distance, but it is an endurance and strength training opportunity for the riders, particularly as they eagerly await Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) revised calendar. 

Arguably, the men’s favourite in this sprint series are the likes of Abeng Malete of Jwaneng Cycling Club, Lebopo Mompe of Tsela Riders, Matlhogonolo Botlhole of JonMol, Gontse Lethokwe and Lloyd Molale both of Team Swift. 

The riders have a familiarisation of both road and MTB terrains and their experience will give them an advantage of taking the prize home.

In the women’s category, the young Myra Mantle is one rider to look out for especially in the MTB. 

Mantle has various victories to her name and is expected to bag this one again in the junior category. 

Other female riders performing well in the sprint series include Moratwa Matlha, Comine Bruwer and Julia Uys. The organiser of the sprint series Gobona Mantle said top riders’ fitness was not pleasing adding that a few of them made use of virtual trainings and rides during lockdown to enhance their fitness.

Mantle also noted that some riders, who usually performed well on road race, shifted to MTB and still performed well. 

She further said the time trials during the two series of the sprint races helped riders pick and improve on their performance allowing them to see where they are now in relation to competitions. ENDS