01 Dec 2022

There is need to increase the number of cyclists in the country as well as their participation in local and international competitions.

Cycling coach, David Lebalelo, said in an interview that Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) should take the lead to increase cycling opportunities and participation rates.

He said programmes such as Re Ba Bona Ha could be established to groom junior cyclists, adding the association should invest in development.

He also said the association should work with regional, continental and international federations to attach local elite cyclists.

“The association should develop and maintain regional cycling sub structures for easier monitoring of development programmes,” said Lebalelo.

Lebalelo said the association and its affiliated member clubs should develop ties with the corporate and sporting communities for mutual benefit.

“It is of vital importance to encourage a corporate cycling focus so that foundation members and benefactors can be involved in cycling as a sport and form of exercise,” said Lebalelo.

Regarding performance improvement, he said it was time the association judged performance not only by competing, but also by the accumulation of points.

“Cyclists should compete more on UCI accredited races to gain points and strive to be in the top 20 in races such as continental competitions,” he said.

Meanwhile, the association will be hosting the ITT national championships on Sunday on the Boatle/Mmankgodi route.

Riders will compete across seven categories, which include youth, juniors, Under 23, elites, veterans, masters and grand masters. Race trials for the elite category will commence from Fikeng on the B111 road and head south towards Boatle before making a U-turn at Metsimaswane and head north to Mmankgodi.

They will make a U-turn on the A10 road (Gaborone/Kanye road) back to the starting point to finish the race.

The elite category will race a distance of 44km with an ascent and descent of 314m and 315m respectively.

The youth will compete in a 14km race with an ascent and descent of 77m and 75m. The young riders will also have a relatively short ITT race trial, starting at Fikeng bus stop and heading south towards Boatle.

They will make a U-turn at Metsimaswane back to the starting and finishing point.

The women ITT will tackle a 30km course with an ascent of 180m and descent of 182m.

Their race route will start at Fikeng on the B111 road and head south towards Boatle before making a U-turn at Metsimaswane to head to Mmankgodi.

They will make a U-turn at Manyana junction and head back to finish at Fikeng.  ENDS