Fair-weather patriots must fall

In a rally where 96 of the 150 riders who began, failed to finish, Crosbie finished all 12 tortuous stages to become the sixth debutant across the line. The Botswana flag was proudly flown for the first time at the finishing line of the legendary rally, capturing the world’s attention and earning the country valuable international goodwill.

Little did the international viewers know that before leaving for the tough rally, Crosbie was forced to run an equally punishing endurance race to secure sponsorship for the rally.