04 Aug 2022

Botswana’s mountain bike (MTB) champion, Gontse Lethokwe, had it tough at the Commonwealth cross country in Birmingham.

The race proved to be an ultimate test of bravery, balance and flair.

Lethokwee 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 four in his first Commonwealth Games.

The 28-year-old finished 18th 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 Lethokwe put all his strength, focus and dedication in the race.  Sam Gaze and Ben Oliver of New Zealand won gold and silver respectively.

This was Gaze’s second gold from the Commonwealth Games.

Namibia’s Alex Miller came third for a bronze medal.

On Sunday, both Botlhole and Lethokwe will paddle the 10 laps 160km road race, in a mostly flat circuit course. ends