Spar increases funding for cycling race
Mosah Mokganedi | Friday June 6, 2014 15:42
Spar group marketing executive, Bobby Rushforth told a press briefing in Gaborone yesterday they are impressed by the performance local riders.
He said they gave they gave foreign riders a run for their money last year. He said should the same trend continue this year, they would sponsor the event next year. Although registration is still ongoing, the event manager, Kim Van Zyl said they expect around 250 riders from Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. The contest will be divided into four categories - junior, open, veterans, sub- veterans and masters who will compete either as individuals or teams.
Van Zyl said they have realised an increase in interest in the singles category. For first time, there will be a singles speed control where riders are not allowed to change gears while riding.
The riding route starts from Lion Park through Lobatse, Mmokolodi, Mogobane, Lekgolobotlo and back, covering a distance of 228 kilometres. Some of the local big names expected to compete are Jabulani Tabolane and Thato Malebane. lackberry from South Africa are the defending champions in the team category.
The event organisers said they would for the first time give back to the communities where the route passes through as way of appreciation.