Crosbie takes break from racing
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday July 3, 2020 13:30
With more expected out of Crosbie, who managed to finish the most gruelling off-road race, the rider has decided to take a break, to concentrate on his construction business.
Crosbie told Mmegi Sport this week his wife and he have been pushing hard to grow the business. He said this means racing has taken the back seat until the company becomes stable.
“Unfortunately, I picked up a hand injury and then stomach and shoulder injuries. It has been a bad period for me. Other than that, we have been setting up our future to be entrepreneurs,” he said.
Crosbie intended returning to the Dakar Rally next year, but realised that it would be unnecessary financial strain on his sponsors due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
He said the pandemic has been a huge setback, and that while Europe is slowly opening up, local riders still cannot travel.
He said at the moment they just have to take it easy and train. Crosbie said he is not on the bike as much as he would like to be due to lack of races. He pointed out that unlike other riders, he is using the break to recoup and catch up with his family and work.
“To go back this year would be selfish of me. So we have put that on hold for now. The intention was to do the Mali motor class, where you go there with one bike, one rider, you are your own mechanic and no back-up support. That is also on hold and moved to 2021. That is the plan for now and hopefully nothing changes,” he said.
When asked if he felt any pressure when Ross Branch came into the scene, Crosbie said they knew that Botswana is limited in space to have two international riders.
“It has been nice because pressure is always good. It is nice for competition because without it you cannot get better. Unfortunately, myself and Ross have never had an opportunity to race for Botswana on the international rally scene and I hope one day we could get that chance and do the best we could,” he said.
Crosbie said it was also a challenge because Branch shared the same sponsors when he went to Dakar, citing the likes of Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, Botswana Tourism Organisation and Time Projects.
He said it was no time for him to be selfish and let other riders prevail and show their skills. Crosbie said he never pursued any government sponsorship since he went to Dakar 2017.
“I never saw much of a reach out from government to me and it was hard. They might be supporting Ross, which I am not entirely sure. I am not going to beg at government’s door to get sponsorship when I know the private sector could assist and take us to the platform that we need to be at,” Crosbie said.
He added his wish was to see Botswana Motor Sport grow without politics.
He felt there should be more government support for top riders who work hard because they have day jobs.
Regarding the danger that comes with racing, Crosbie said death is always looming at the back of his mind.
“Last year, we lost two riders at the Dakar Rally. One serious head injury you could be paralysed, brain damaged or injured for the rest of your life.
It’s a scary feeling, especially now that I have a daughter (18 months),” Crosbie said.
“It has been a question that comes to my head many times as I race. I now take less chances. Death is not something that I wish upon any rider, but when someone dies doing something that they love, there is no better way to die than that.”