03 Aug 2022

 It was a tough day for Botswana’s Mountain Bike (MTB) champion, Gontse Lethokwe at the just-ended 2022 Commonwealth MTB cross country at Cannock Chase Forest, Birmingham.
The race proved to be an ultimate test of bravery, balance and flair for the local rider as he paddled the cross-country course, which had a variety of terrains such as single tracks, rock gardens, steep climbs and technical descents on a 40km track with approximately 4.7km laps.
The competition will perhaps show Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) a need for tracks with technical challenges incorporating drops, sharp turns, rock gardens, short steeper climbs and meandering around obstacles resembling some of the obstacles local cyclists are likely to encounter outside the country. 
Lethokwe started on row 4 riding his first Commonwealth Games. 
The 28-year-old finished 18^th out of 27 riders, managing five out of eight laps with the last of the finishers only managing three of the eight laps.
“I am proud of Lethokwe, he went all out,” said Coach David Lebalelo, adding that Lethokwe put all his strength, focus and dedication in the race. 
Sam Gaze and Ben Oliver of New Zealand won gold and silver respectively, the gold being Gaze’s second one from the Commonwealth Games.
 Namibia’s Alex Miller came third for a well-deserved bronze medal. Botswana’s Matlhogonolo Botlhole will be doing the Individual Time Trials on Thursday.
On Sunday, both Botlhole and Lethokwe will paddle the 10 laps 160km road race, in a mostly flat circuit course.  Ends