Malete continues dominating cycling
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday September 4, 2017 15:51
Malete of Pretoria-based Sampada cycling club, completed yesterday’s 112km race in a time of 3:01:39:31 ahead of Agoter Joliwa (2), Oabile Tingwane (3) and Amogelang Thwabi (4). The blowing spring winds did not dumpen his spirit as he sailed through the finishing line accompanied by his teammates.
“I was travelling at an average speed of 37.48km/h. The wind was strong from the beginning of the race and that made cycling tough. My teammates were supportive. The terrain was smooth. Our strategy was to claim all the top positions,” Malete said.
The 112km elite race was won by Prince Maseko also from Sampada club, with a time of 3:01:39:59. Another Sampada rider, Jan Montshioa followed closely in the second spot with a time of 3:01:39:77. Team Sampada continued dominating the challenge with Thokozani Mahlangu finishing third, clocking a time of 3:04:44:26.
The junior men’s race was won by Karabo Mannathoko of Botrail cycling club with a time of 3:08:22:52, a few seconds ahead of Arnold Kokwane who registered a time of 3:08:23:45. Thabiso Mokalake fought hard to claim the third spot followed by Thabang Masepe in the forth position. Kopano Kgosibodiba of JonMol club claimed the first position in the men’s 60km race. The cyclist was making his debut in the Presidential Charity Cycling Challenge. Kgosibodiba told Monitor Sport that he was impressed by his performance.
“My coaches being Jeremiah Kokwane and Karabo Moletsane had encouraged me to break away from the beginning of the race. Despite that, the race was tough. The support was there even my family was present here,” he said.
Kgosibodiba said the wind was strong and the same thing happened last weekend in Jwaneng where he broke away only to finish in the second position. The 14-year -old said his plans for the remaining races of the year is to continue doing well.
Meanwhile, Botswana Cycling Association (BCA), Mmetla Masire said the challenge was attended by top cyclists from the region. He said the Presidential Charity Cycling Challenge was a success from a cycling and fund-raising point of views. Masire said they have achieved the objectives of the event.