Impressive win for cyclist

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Correspondent | Tuesday August 7, 2007 00:00

The cyclist who said after the win that he has not competed in the last eight months   finished the race with no challenger in sight after storming away from his two challengers, Jabu Kaelo and Jan Deruyck with two kilometres to go. He was followed to the finishing line by his compatriot Deruyck who was trailed by Kaelo. Bernado Auyso was fourth while Tebogo Bosilong finished fifth.

The race was competitive with the pacesetters maintaining the speed of at least 60km per hour especially after the first 15 km. The pack leaders did not seem to run out of steam as they upped the tempo towards the finishing point. It was a beautiful Sunday morning, with a cold breeze sweeping making cycling delightful. The 60km route ran from the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, the Airport traffic lights, Sebele, Mmamashia, Rasesa and back.

Despite the fact that the race began as a crowded affair with more than 100 cyclists at 7 am, the top five positions were decided inside the first 25kms when the eventual winner, along with Kaelo, Deruyck, Bosilong and Auyso, all broke away from the pack for good near the Rasesa hills. From there it was a five-man race till Gilbert-Green pulled away with two kilometres to go.

The rest of the pack seemed to find the going tough after the first 30km as they slowed down. By the time they reached Rasesa, the pack had separated itself into five groups. Youngster Auyso of Gaborone Garage club flattered to deceive in the first 50km as he exchanged the leadership with the other four in a closely contested fight.

After winning the race, Gilbert-Green said he enjoyed cycling in Botswana and the flat track is a joyful experience. Deruyck paid tribute to departed cycling hero Fabian Gordon of Mochudi who was killed in a road accident near Sebele as he was preparing to defend his title last week. 'It was difficult today. This is Fabian's race. He would have won it for us. He has done it over the years. We have lost a champion,' said Deruyck. He called for more races to give cyclists competition.  'This is the third road race in the year. We need more events but it is not easy. It takes a lot of coordination and organisation in putting together an event like this, and only one club seems to be doing that,' he lamented. Auyso blamed strong winds for his failure to keep up with the South African. 'I was trying, but the wind was just too strong, it exhausted me,' he said. Kaelo said he was happy to finish in the top three. 'I represented Gordon (Fabian). I wanted him to win. I was happy with my effort,' he said.