Over 300 cyclists expected at MCM Cycling Challenge

Koketso Kgoboge | Monday October 15, 2018 15:45

 

A new route has been crafted and will see riders traverse the scenic views of the Tswapong hills.

The challenge was introduced in 2009 by Morupule Cycling Club as a form of promotion of a culture of fitness and wellbeing as well as to raise funds for the underprivileged members of the community within the mine’s zone of influence.

The race will see the introduction of a new route from the one that   took off from Majestic Five Hotel ending at the mine, and grew to routes that reached as far as Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

This year’s edition will switch from the previous routes that went through Serowe to the routes that pass through the villages in the Tswapong region such as Lecheng, Malaka among others towards Martins Drift and back. Other routes will be within Palapye.

The 2018 Cycle Challenge includes the 8km fun ride, 30km, 60km and 110km races. The starting point will be the Majestic Five Hotel.

Race organisers, MCM Cycling Club spokesperson, Dintlenyane Sentsho said in the past they had altered the race route away from the A1 highway to Serowe due to safety concerns and they have reversed the decision after they reckoned the recognition for cyclists on the roads had improved.

She said the registration for the race is now open and every individual that owns a bicycle regardless of the make is eligible. She said the aim is to ensure the locals own the race through participation in competition and in preparations for those who will not be competing.

 

She said they expect an increased number of cyclists from various clubs across the country and they have already registered interests from international cyclists.

“The race is back in Palapye and we are anticipating a show stopper with an improved number of participants both cyclists and spectators from the village. We want Palapye and the neighbouring villages to own this race,” she said.

“We have received tremendous recognition over the past years and a satisfactory response from the community of Palapye, although our routes fell in divergent directions that went away from the village to Serowe, hence we saw it apparent to bring it back.”

She said through the challenge they also want to kill the perception that cycling is an expensive sport. “That is why we have a fun ride for all kinds of bicycles, it’s about coming together to promote fitness and contribute to community needs.”

She said through the challenge they had recorded growth in numbers since the club was formed in 2009. She said the club started with handful cyclists and it currently sits at 100 registered members both from the mine workers and community members.

“Our club was made up of only MCM employees but it has developed and moved from under the umbrella of the mine to include members of the community and we have been able to attract new members through this challenge.”

Through the funds raised from the challenge, the club has successfully contributed to projects including the construction of houses for indigent families in Palapye and its neighbouring villages.

They have also contributed to the improvement of facilities at Ratsie Sethako and Sehunou Primary Schools, and the  Khama III Memorial Museum amongst others.

The challenge will, this year, welcome Sesigo as the recent addition to its principal sponsors that has been MCM and Stanbic Bank.