19 Sep 2013

The annual Pick n Pay Mokolodi Scorpion Mountain Bike (MTB) challenge will celebrate its 11th anniversary with another intriguing race on Sunday, September 22.

Mark Lane-Jones, one of the race organisers and member of the Gaborone Cycling Club said in an interview that there were few alterations to the last year's track even though there were similarities through the park. The 55 km physically taxing trail is expected to take the riders way out of the south of the park through river beds and dams offering spectacular scenery to all competitors.

He said the route will take competitors through some rocky climbs as well as through river sand. Jones said the new routes will still have some nice game views, something which makes the race unique as riders get to see wild animals within the reserve. There are also some tracks running into single tracks.

The 20 km route would take riders to the remaining northern side of the park where encounters with wildlife were a common sight was also expected to offer intensive competition. Jones who was impressed by the level of enthusiasm amongst local riders said the final climb towards the end of the route will also prove to be difficult.

Chairperson of the GCC, Peter Sekwale explained that they were also excited about the cooperation between their main sponsors Pick n Pay which has spanned for over a decade. The race which started from just fewer than 50 riders has grown in leaps and bounds with at least 10 riders expected to cross the border from South Africa.

The reigning champion Nevelle Van Zyl will not be part of the race this year as he has since relocated to South Africa. Van Zyl hit the finish line after an impressive 2 hours and 2minutes and coming hot under his heels was Jabu Tabolane. On Sunday the first to reach the finish line is expected to walk away with P1000 first prize. ENDS