12 Aug 2024

The Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) wrapped up their year’s cycling activities by crowning Individual Time Trials (ITT) national champions in Rasesa on Sunday.

In the female elite category, Moratwa Matlhaope, was crowned this year’s national champion with a time of 51.45 in a 28km stretch, while Matlhogonolo Botlhole clocked 58.38 becoming the men’s elite champion after the 42km distance. 

The under 23 national title was grabbed by Gomolemo Kelaotswe in the male section clocking a time of 1:05.23 in the 42km distance. 

In the junior male category, Subho Ghosh beat Rebaone Khunofu registering a time of 44.03 against 44.18 for Khunofu. 

However, Khunofu was crowned the national champion, as Ghosh could not claim the national title because he is an Indian citizen. Nevertheless, he was recognised as the winner. 

Giving an overview of the event, BCA president, Kagiso Potongwane, said although the attendance was not satisfactory particularly in the elite category, the event went well. 

He said they had funding issues to host the nationals, as a result of subvention reduction from the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC). Potongwane said their wish was to host price money national championships. 

“Although a medal is what is of importance for national championships, some cyclists as individuals want to race and get something out of the events, hence we experienced low turnout in some categories,” Potongwane said, adding that in terms of development price, money was not an issue as cycling clubs field such price money events. 

Despite funds reduction by the BNSC, Potongwane said they managed to pursue some organisations for funding to assist the sport. 

“Some companies came on board to help, and without them we would not have managed with all our three national championships events,” he said, expressing gratitude to their contribution to assist the sport. 

Meanwhile, race director, David Lebalelo, implored clubs to do more in improving and developing the cycling sport. 

He said clubs needed to bring their development teams to the national championships and take nationals seriously. 

“Clubs have to take nationals seriously and compete in large numbers in competitions, which do not have price money. The notion of competing only for price money is not working for us,” Lebalelo said. 

Lebalelo said cycling was a sport, which could sell Botswana as a country, if only parents  invested on it. ends