25 Feb 2021

Team Swift cycling team is set to host 1 000km training race termed Team Swift Grand March Challenge.

The challenge, which is scheduled to commence beginning of March until month end, would keep riders motivated whilst awaiting scheduled races.

“This challenge will provide an alternative competitive stimulus for the riders,” noted Team Swift coach, David Lebalelo, adding that successful riders would be rewarded at the end of the challenge.

He said the club came up with alternative means to keep their riders fit, but avoiding group rides as well as keeping up with evolving changes around the traditional group training and racing.

Lebalelo indicated that through the challenge, riders would engage individually in their race trainings and also be part of a community event.

Lebalelo said they managed to build a winning team in times of the pandemic with the right support structures.

He said proper structures allowed riders to focus on their performance whilst support team took care of other critical issues.

Team Swift intended to grow cycling in Botswana.

Lebalelo said their passion for the sport had given the team an opportunity to positively play a role and contribute to cycling growth.

He further noted that plans to register Team Swift as a continental team were ongoing, but halted by COVID-19 pandemic.

The Grand March Challenge, Lebalelo said, would prepare riders for any Union Cyclist International (UCI) accredited tour race competitions scheduled later in the year,. including among others 100 Cycle Challenge, Tour de Limpopo and Tour de Windhoek.

He said funds permitting and COVID-19 allowing, Team Swift would also explore possibilities of Tour de Rwanda. ENDS