SA's Hoffman Wins MCM Cycling Challenge
Koketso Kgoboge | Monday September 2, 2019 11:46
His victory follows another feat in the Bank Gaborone Quest last month.
The dominant Hoffmann of Team Enza from Johannesburg finished in a comfortable 2:55:54. He arrived two minutes clear of his challengers, Abeng Malete of Jwaneng Cycling Club and Lloyd Molale of Team Swift. The duo recorded 2:57:59.
Hoffman was aware of his challengers having trained with them in his home country. He was happy to have set a personal best of 56km per hour and 300W on a flat road and 300W in the Palapye race.
According to the winner, he was aware of the competition that his challengers posed having trained with them in South Africa.
“These guys have improved a lot. Their level has increased and they forced me into an attack mode. I am glad at the end I came first and set amazing records for myself,” the South African rider said.
His stablemate at Enza, Titus Juries replicated him in the Under-23 male category over a similar distance. Juries completed the 110km in 3:01:06 ahead of Thabiso Mokalake of Team Swift and Mthokhozisi Sibanda of the host Team Morupule respectively.
Jonmol’s Kopano Kgosibodiba retained his 60km title that he won here last year. The 17-year-old was happy to return to his happy hunting ground. He marshalled all his reserves to end with a photo finish with his teammate.
“My teammate defended me the entire race. It was tough. I trust my strategy worked against others. I started the sprint earlier, but they closed in and I was lucky to finish first,” he said.
Team Jonmol celebrated another milestone when their developing talent Thabang Tafa beat his elders to a comfortable finish in the 30km race.
The 13-year-old Tafa was amending last year’s second position finish.
The race is the first that Ramotswa’s Baitlotli Junior Secondary School Form One student has won.
Tafa said he was advised to remain patient by his coach Karabo Moletsane. The youngster said he put immense training in the preparations building towards the MCM race.
“I also believed one day I would win. My coach always told me the time would arrive. I had the best race and I am happy to have finally won. In future, I want to compete on the international stage. I appreciate this platform,” the young cyclist said.
In other categories, Gobona Mantle won the Females Open, Bakang Ebudilwe claimed the Elite Female and Nonofo Maswabi won the Under-23 female.
Tsela Riders’ Aleck Masariri won the male veterans title, while Orapa’s Bryan Makhwaje claimed the master’s title. Mathogonolo Bothole wrapped up Jonmol’s dominance in the junior categories with a victory in the male Under-19. A total of 145 riders took part in the cycling challenge.