11 Nov 2024

The Paratus Bike Shredders challenge has developed interest, passion, confidence and fundamental skills necessary in cycling.

On Saturday, young shredders came in large numbers to participate in the last of the four series challenge in Mokolodi.

 Participating in the 20km, 10km and 5km race, the young shredders showed enthusiasm competing in the safe, fun-bush environment of Mokolodi with all the trappings of the three distances. They displayed their skill on the single tracks of Mokolodi terrain with ease and excitement, favoured by the cool weather.

The young riders goal was to win the overall title of the series and they aggressively rode in a friendly competition to clinch the title.

Founder and organiser of the challenge, Gobona Mantle said the young cyclists had a great time with the route.

 He said he was proud of how far the challenge had progressed since 2018.

 He noted that in those years they attracted about 20 participants, and that they have since quadrupled the number to about 80 children per race, adding that they hoped to reach 100 in the next few years. Mantle also said the riders have become better with each series and that she was confident that they would perform exceptionally well in next season’s cycling circle.

Mantle said there has also been challenges which they encountered. She said they have been extra cautious and responsive to children’s needs and ensured sweepers were on the route from start to finish, particularly for the 5km race as young riders as little as five years participated and needed to be accompanied to ensure their safety.

 “With the young ones, we encourage parents to either run or cycle with them to also give them motivation along the route,” Mantle reiterated.

Sponsored by Paratus Botswana as the main supporter, the overall four part series challenge was won by Simphiwe Potongwane who accumulated 91 points in the 20km male category while Ryna Kenaope accrued 59 points to scoop position one in the female 20km category.

The 10km overall female and male categories were won by Hope Mathiba and Rethabile Keatweng, both with 90 points each.

 In the 5km race, Kyara Kenaope scored 95 points in the female category and Josh Potgieter led the males with 60 points. ENDS