Kalahari Challenge�s �Magwinya Express� to lure local riders

Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday April 6, 2017 11:27

 

Speaking at the launch of the competition at Avani Hotel on Tuesday, race director, Seamus O’Neill said in their desire to promote the event and sport of mountain biking, this year they have made efforts to include more local riders.

He said they have come up with an idea entitled ‘Magwinya Express’ which allows local riders to participate at a discounted rate.

“The sponsors want to see more local riders taking part in the event and we have agreed to give them a 50% discount,” he said.

O’Neill said they have made changes to the route due to the recent heavy rains, especially on day one.

He said the route will be more challenging with the level of water at Gaborone Dam where they previously roamed through the tracks. He said they are looking into adding an additional single track and rock climbs to add more riding excitement. The premier cycling challenge is in its 13th year.

Stanbic Bank Botswana signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the organisers last year. Speaking during the launch, Stanbic head of customer channels, Calistus Chijoro said from its beginning in 2005, the cycling challenge continues to grow each year as one of the most sought after full-service mountain bike stage races in southern Africa.

“We are proud to be associated with the Gem Diamonds Kalahari MTB Challenge, which was nominated as a finalist for the ‘African Sponsorship of Year’ by the Discovery Sport Industry Award 2016. It was nominated as one of the sixth finalists out of 21 events selected throughout Africa,” he said.

Chijoro said this year, they have a high number of cyclists for both the full and light distance options for local and international participants.

He said the Stanbic sponsorship is an investment towards making cycling a more prominent feature in local sporting scene.

Meanwhile, the organisers have invited international broadcaster, Supersport to cover the event. He said that allows the race, the only cycling challenge in Botswana, to reach international audience.

Last year’s competition attracted 250 cyclists. O’Neill said they want to see the number increase, but the race faces competition from other events in the region.

The grand prize for the challenge is P130,000, the same figure as last year. Other race sponsors are Scania Botswana, Kgalagadi Breweries, Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino.