08 Apr 2024

When Loapi Magashula, a Standard One pupil at Gaborone International School crossed the finishing line in a bright pink balance bike, clad in a pink bike shirt and a colourful orange helmet, spectators could not take their eyes off her little stature as she pedalled through the finishing line, completing her 5km distance.

“It is my first time to participate in this children’s race and I love it, I had fun today,” said Loapi.

Loapi was just one of the children who had a fun-filled April 6 at the 2024 Paratus Bike Shredders mountain bike challenge, which started in 2019 as a four-part series designed for children under the age of 18.

The first of the four-part series for this year was held over the weekend with a total of over 60 children participating in the 5km, 10km and 20km distance races.

The children beamed with excitement as they crossed the finishing line after racing on their balance bikes, first pedal bikes, hybrid bikes and rugged mountain bikes.

The 5km and 10km for the young ones was a unique and fulfilling experience.

“Cycling was nice today and I always train with my dad who has taught me how to do 30, 20, 10 and 5km distance.

He also taught me that sometimes we lose and sometime we win,” said eight-year-old Yaone Pelotona, who took part in the 5km distance route, summing up most, if not all of the children’s blast with the event.

In an interview, Tsela Riders event coordinator, Mogi Kenaope applauded organisers of the kiddies’ race event, saying the race gave clubs a chance to identify talent as the experience helped the children grow and develop into experienced young riders.

“We have talent that has been developed over the years being recognised in this race, and the number of kids today seem to have increased,” said Kenaope.

Kenaope also commended the parents for their support and participation, saying it was important for them to be part of their children’s sport ambition and interest.

The cycling community, Kenaope said should take advantage of such events as these and bring more children to participate.

She said children needed to participate more in such types of races to establish if they were well trained.

“We applaud Lifecycle Bicycle Coaching and Tuition as well as Paratus Botswana for putting this race together, because for us who are hunting for talent, we realise that we will get our feeder to the next categories,” said Kenaope.

Previously in an interview, the race organiser, Gobona Mantle expressed a wish for more collaborations with talent scouters for the young riders.

Mantle said the children’ss race event encouraged and inspired them to be more athletic and competitive. ENDS