26 Apr 2022

Jwaneng cycling team were crowned winners of the inaugural team time trial cycling challenge Sunday. 

The Botswana Insurance Company backed cycling challenge was the 2022 cycling season opener that provided cyclists with a physical test around the Mmankgodi area. 

A team of four cyclists in all the eight teams that took part in the first-ever cycling event in the country were expected to snarl along the 106km two-looped route and compete for the best time. 

Speaking immediately after halting to a stop following an impressive two hours 29 minutes on his road bike, Abeng Malete who led team Jwaneng said he was impressed by the overall performance of his team. 

He said they had set an initial target of finishing after two hours 30 minutes, but managed to beat the target. 

Team Jwaneng had a bright start with an impressive sprint on a tricky route with flat and steep intersections along the way. 

They managed to hold on and maintain an average speed of 41km/h even on sharp curves, especially around the Metsimaswaane River. 

Riders took off to Boatle intersection going past the Mogonye turnoff and returned on the same track to Sengaparile turn off near Mmankgodi. 

Malete said it was great to open the cycling season on a positive note, adding that he was looking forward to other open races lined up for the rest of the season. 

He led a strong team of elite cyclists in the mould of Oabile Tingwane, Lebone Rammidi and Letty Ikaneng. 

Team Swift arrived eight minutes later to settle for the second spot while Tsela Riders came third after two hours 57 minutes. 

In the elite ladies category, Tsela Riders scooped the first spot and also lifted the under 19 trophies beating Botrail to the first spot. 

In the open 53km men’s class, Phemelo Setshogo came first while Mothusi Ramolapong arrived 32 seconds later for the second spot. 

In the ladies’ class, it was a photo finish between Wame Ntwayakgosi and Albertinah Milton, who were separated by a split second. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the race, Tsela Riders spokesperson Daniel Mophuting said they were happy with the overall attendance and performance of the race, which was on its inaugural stage. 

He said they were raring to host the national championship in a month’s time and the time trial came in handy. 

He said the weekend’s challenge was a groundbreaker for Tsela Riders as organisers and their main sponsors BCI, who had been in delightful companionship for the last 12 months. 

He expressed hope that the mutual understanding continues for the next five years. 

Teams that took part in the challenge are Tsela Riders, Gaborone Cycling Club, Cycle for Life, Team Swift, BotRail, Morupule and Team Jon Mol from Ramotswa. ends