04 Nov 2021

The Kopong King Cobra Challenge, formerly known as Kopong Cobra Challenge, promises to be a high adrenaline event following its revamp and revival.

Now organised by Lifecycle Events & Timing and Sportsworx, the event to be held this Saturday and Sunday in Kopong, promises some of the most thrilling and challenging technical climbs.

Kopong was chosen strategically for its familiar safer trails usually used by cyclists, some of whom commute to the city using such trails.

The hilly climbs on the Lentsweletau road will also challenge road cyclists physically and mentally.

In an interview, the event organiser, Kagiso Potongwane said offering cyclists a mountain bike and road race in one weekend would give them an opportunity to train for upcoming major events, as well as the experience in both disciplines.

The road race will be in two categories of 120km as the main event and the 60km light race, while the mountain bike will offer 55km main race and 35km light race.
“Both races are shorter to cater for other cyclists who are not competitive, but race for fun and leisure,” explained Potongwane.

He added that both races would feature challenging climbs similar to conditions and terrains in regional race competitions.

“The races thus offer potential national team candidates a good training ground for both fitness and technical ability,” he said.

On the other hand, he indicated that race distances and categories were aligned to the Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) and they were working with the association in planning the weekend races.

“This helps the association and clubs prepare potential national team members for any national, regional or international engagement.

Races are also of BCA standard, as well as regional races and the format works well for competitive cyclists, including those competing at the national level,” he said.

He added that organisers intended to have the race as a permanent feature in the BCA calendar because of its interesting technical challenges and popularity.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Michael Molefe of Kopong, who is expected to be the lead cyclist, said he was happy to host the two-day event.

He said the event would boost the village’s socio-economic status by promoting the well-being of small, medium and micro enterprises, which had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kgosi Molefe said he was looking forward to a more impactful social investment in his community, especially for the benefit of the youth and the elderly. ENDS