Ayuso defends Jwaneng cycling title
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday September 16, 2015 15:43
Ayuso said the race went well despite the strong winds, adding that the course was flat. He said he faced tough competition from BR cycling club, which made the race fast. He added that he had to cycle at 60 km/hr and ended up defending the title he won last year.
Ayuso told Mmegi Sport that there are many talented young cyclists in the country, but the main challenge was that the sport is expensive.
“My club is tasked with assisting the cyclists with equipment and training. People have to realise that the sport is an everyday thing and discipline. To be good cyclists you should at least train five hours a day,” he said.
Ayuso said he has embarked on promoting the sport from grassroots level through his club, Ayuso cycling club.
The club is based in Gabane. He said after participating in a number of international races, he has realised that Botswana can produce more cyclists if there is assistance from relevant stakeholders.
For his part, Telekelo said he was happy with the second position as he had prepared well for the race. He said competing against Ayuso is a motivation on its own. He said the cyclist is always motivating them before and after the competitions. He said he does not consider Ayuso as an opponent, but rather as an example of what the sport is about.
Telekelo said they are usually faced with the challenge that technical assistance from professional riders.
The race was also divided into 50km for both men and women. There was also the 5km distance for children.The annual race was hosted to raise funds for the communities surrounding the diamond-mining town.
Puma Energy managing director, Mahube Mpungwa told Mmegi Sport that they have been supporting the initiative for the past eight years.
He said they have maintained a long partnership with the mine, and have a shared interest of developing the community through sport, adding that the charity event also boosts the town through sport tourism.
“The race has grown in leaps and bounds over the years and people should stop regarding cycling as sport for the elite. Everyone is welcome to cycle and some can even do it professionally,” he said.