29 May 2022

 

 Youthful Kosmas Mamaloukos won the overall two-wheeler category at the Botswana Motorsport Desert Race  at Kaduwe Farms near Jwaneng on Saturday.

The race, which was graced by the internationally renowned Ross Branch as a guest rider, was the fourth round in the BMS calendar of events this year.

In an post-race interview, Mamaloukos said the presence of Branch inspired him to perform well.

“I knew from the start that I stood no chance against him, but his presence motivated me. I wanted to use his experience to gauge myself,” he said. He added that he wished he could compete against Branch more often as it would help him improve.

On the challenge of the terrain, Mamaloukos said he enjoyed the track due to the fact that it was full of sand.

“I have been racing mostly on hardback, but I personally prefer sand and this track was just what I needed,” he said.

Mmamaloukos, who also competes in the Gauteng Cross Country Club (GXCC) in South Africa, said consistency was key in racing. He currently sits sixth in the GXCC competitions.

He also appreciated the support they were given by motorsport enthusiasts and said their support pushed them to the maximum performance. The overall winner in the women two-wheel bikes, Tadiwa Tafa, who has been racing since 2018, decried the paltry participation by women in motorsport.

The 17-year-old, who started riding 10 years ago, said it was currently her and Elang Chibana who race in women category.

 “Although she always gives me a challenge, I believe the competition would be even more tougher were there more ladies involved. In the event that one of us cannot make it, it means there will only be one participant,” she said.

Tafa, who is currently sponsored by her parents, said she planned to participate in as many races as possible for exposure.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Kelapile Sesanyane of Kaduwe Lands where the race took place, said he was happy that small scale businesses people around the area benefitted from the event, adding that he hoped the race would come back even bigger next year. ENDS