Ebudiwe, Dube win Morupule Cycling race

Bonte Seepi | Tuesday October 24, 2017 15:06

MCM Cycle Club Chairperson Tom Mongale (Left) shaking hands with Stanbc Rep Ms Senosi Ranonyane and the cyclists(back) PICMCM Cycle Club Chairperson Tom Mongale (Left) shaking hands with Stanbc Rep Ms Senosi Ranonyane and the cyclists(back) PIC: BONTE SEEPI

The race, sponsored by Stanbic Bank for P200,000 started at Boiteko Junction Mall down the A14 road past Paje and Khama Rhino Sanctuary before turning back to the starting point. It included a short 10km race, which was a kiddies’ fun ride, 30km ride, middle 60km ride and the 110km race.

Ebudiwe, who is the national Under-23 champion, finished ahead of Lorato Masepe of MCM and Hubona Manthe of Gaborone Cycling Club (GCC). In the male category, Amogelang Thwabi of Botswana Railways Cycling Club finished second behind Dube, while Oduetse Kgoboko of MCM, was third.

In the male Under-23 category, another Zimbabwean national, Andrew Chikwaka won the 110 km race while Advocate Phiri also from Zimbabwe was second with Sethomo Maseke of BotRail, third. In the male junior category, Karabo Mannathoko of BotRail emerged victorious while Tsaone Latiwa of BotRail who had no opponents in the competition, won junior women’s 110km race.

Orapeleng Ntshese from MCM won the 60km race in the female category while James Masilo of GCC won the male category. In the junior category, the 60km race went to Bokhutlo Keleapere in the women’s category and Kopano Kgosiemang was victorious in the male category. The winners were awarded P3,000 each and Mascom Huawei mobile phones.

Morupule general manager, David Kgoboko encouraged riders to always participate saying although there may be some challenges, cycling is full of fun and is adventurous. He said MCM will continue to give back to the community it operates in. He said the cycling event is for betterment of the lives of Batswana.

He urged motorists to be on the look out for cyclists on the roads to avoid accidents, after one of the riders hit a vehicle. “It could have been fatal, but fortunately the injuries are not that bad. Drivers must consider paying attention to other road users to avoid such incidents.”

Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) secretary general, Tlamelo Dube challenged MCM to engage more female cyclists saying the sport is growing but has fewer women. He also called onto MCM to consider setting up a cycling academy saying there is no such academy in the country although the sport is growing.

Race winner, Ebudiwe also urged women to come on board and join cycling. Dube, who won the men’s 110km category, said it was not easy but he managed to finish well. The MCM challenge attracted many riders and for the first time this year, they included the kiddies fun race to engage young children. The proceeds of the event will go towards charity work in Palapye and surrounding areas.