05 Nov 2023

Lelentle Masoko of Ramotswa-based Jonmol Cycling Club is the overall winner of the four-part Paratus Shredders Challenge.

Masoko, despite not finishing first in the fourth series, was announced the overall winner of the challenge at the Gaborone Rugby Club on Saturday.

The overall winner was determined by points accumulated in all four parts of the series, which began in May this year and young riders participated in 20km, 10km and 5km distances.

In an interview, the 15-year-old Masoko, who will be participating in the kiddies’ race for the last time next year, said he had the most fun throughout the competition.

“It is a fun race but challenging at the same time. My bike got racked and I could not do my best. I also fell a lot of times. But I still had fun and completed as I cycled to the finish. I had fun throughout all the four series. All the four series have challenging technical, uphill, downhill and jeep tracks, which prepares one for competitive races,” he said.

Masoko advised young enthusiast riders to participate in the series because it gave experience and proficiency.

For Shubo Ghosh, the series was his last in the kiddies’ race event and will be transitioning to junior level category next year.

Ghosh finished second and was announced overall third winner of the competition.

“My experience with the kiddies reminds me why I started cycling. At a young age it is about fun and enjoyment. But when you get older you start to be competitive,” Ghosh said in an interview.

He said as part of his plans and preparation for the junior level category entry, he would be consistent in his training because he believed it was key, especially in the higher level of cycling, which was currently his area of focus.

Meanwhile, the kiddies’ race series had seen a number of young riders develop interest and increase participation in cycling events.

While most were however not close to junior level to participate for fun, some used the series as preparation to transit to junior level category. Ends