17 Sep 2024

Gontse Lethokwe sets the bar high yet again as he beat his competitors on Sunday at the Race for Cancer Cycling Challenge, organised by Chainring, a group cyclists from different clubs.

Lethokwe won the race after completing a 120km stretch in 2.50:57 riding at a speed of 42km/h against Reynard Butler of South Africa, who came second with a time of 2:50.58 while  Matlhogonolo Botlhole settled for third position with a time of 2:53.49.

The 120km expanse started at Airport Junction mall by the Pylon Park, with cyclists proceeding southwards on a neutral zone onto the A1 road toward BUAN turn off and making a u-turn by the Glen Valley turn off heading south to start the time register at BUAN traffic lights. 

Lethokwe alongside Butler were in the peloton whilst Thabiso Mokalake of Team Swift led the breakaway pack through to Block 8 circle, onto the Mass Media Complex overpass through to Molapo Crossing traffic lights.

The peloton chased the breakaway pack through the 120km route, passing Block 9 overpass all the way to Game City mall and onto the Kgale overpass until Boatle, where they made a right turn to B111 road/A10 junction. 

The route had an elevation of 16m, but mostly flat surface course, which was not much of a challenge for riders. 

Lethokwe and Butler displayed their acceleration strength as they pedalled back from Mmankgodi/Sengaparile Junction to Airport Junction mall where the race ended. 

The two seasoned cyclists took their sprint immediately after the A1/Airport road traffic lights taking a left hander and immediate right hander, intensively sprinting to the finish point, as Lethokwe beat Butler with just a second.

“My target was to win this race, and I worked as an individual in this race.  I was strategic in how I execute my skills. My plan was to be on the leading pack at 20km toward the race finish, and I achieved that as I was patient,” Lethokwe said.  Lethokwe extended gratitude to his sponsor Seamus O’Neal, saying the legendary cyclist has been supportive and instrumental in shaping his cycling journey.

Meanwhile, Nonofo Maswabi of Jwaneng cycling club won the women’s 90km category followed by Moratwa Matlhaope of Tsela Riders; clocking a time of 2:35.34 and 2:51.46 with a pace of 34km/h and 31km/h respectively. 

The Race for Cancer Cycling Challenge, which was started in 2019, was disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic hence its five year hiatus. It is held to raise awareness on cancer and encourage early testing for early detection. Ends