Thrilling finish to Mokolodi Scorpion Cycling race

Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday May 27, 2025 14:54

Eventual winners, Gareth Jooster and Gontse Letlhokwe, one of the country's top cycling talents, were involved in a thrilling end to the race as they crossed the line neck-to-neck. However, Jooster edged the photo finish by split of a second after they both clocked 2:25.08secs. 'Brilliant race, really well organised. I remember doing this race as a youngster. I wouldn't classify it as a win. Brilliant competition from Gontse. These are important events, important for the youth of Botswana. We must support such,' Jooster said. 'I felt it was a tie. The two of us had a good duel proper, honest cycling the whole way through.

He brought it to me on the single track and I gave it to him on the uphill and ultimately it was decided by milliseconds. In my mind it's definitely a tie, am more than happy to take the win, but it is brilliant to have an honest, hardcore race,' he added. Event organiser, Khaya Groth said it was tough picking the winner. 'We had to go to the computer here. It was done to nanoseconds. I have never seconds division so far down. What a race gentlemen. I believe they crossed the line hand in hand. Great sportsmanship,' Khaya said. Mbaki Mathumo took third place. In the women's section, Lebopo Kono emerged victorious ahead of Anouk van der Horst and Myra Mantle respectively. 'It was my third time doing the race and it was very tough. I am just fresh from an injury, I crashed last week and I just took a risk to come and participate. I did well but I was not satisfied with my time. It means I need to train and put more effort,' Kono said.

All cyclists who completed the 55km race were entered into a draw for a grand prize for an all expenses trip for two people for two nights at a classic Wilderness Safaris lodge. The prize went to Joshua Mogotsi. In the junior men's 20km race, Tanaka Tafara was the winner, finishing ahead of Makhetha James and Kgolo Phologolo. Loapi Mmokele won the junior women's category beating Hope Mathiba into second place while Ryana Kenaope was third in a clean sweep for Tsela Riders Cycling Club. The race was sponsored by Stanbic Bank, Wilderness Safaris, Time Projects, Energade, Artswana, Creative Culture, Kit Group, Grip Runner, Garmin, and Ultimate Cycle Base.