Molale wins National Cycling championships
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday June 26, 2023 15:30
This was due to road marshals who failed to control traffic when cyclists were sprinting to complete the men’s elite race.
The mix up saw Mark van Zyl threatening to beat Molale on the line.
However, Molale managed to win the race in 3:42.41 with van Zyl breathing down on his shoulder to finish in the second position in 3:42:42:06. Lebone Rammidi finished third in 3:42:42:07. The finishing of the men’s elite race which stretched for 140km was a closely contested affair, with one of the favourites, Abeng Malete dropping off the pack due to a puncher. Molale told Sport Monitor that it was a slow start although the distance had increased from last year which was 120km.
“We started off slow which led us to take longer on the road. I had three opponents that I was eyeing, including Malete. When he had a puncher, I knew nobody was going to beat me. I have been trying to become the national champion for many years, finally my dream has come true,” Molale said.
He also said despite the cold weather, his body was already in shape ahead of the race. Matlhogonolo Botlhole defended the boys’ Under-23 title also reaching home at the same time with his senior brothers. The talented youngster said he had a bad start until 80km. “My body was failing me from the beginning due to the cold weather. I knew my opponents were going to struggle along the Trans Kalahari Highway stretch. That is where I took charge. I am also a good sprinter so the plan came together,” he said. Ahead of the national championships, Botlhole competed in Zimbabwe, which was part of his preparations for the event.
He said the experience taught him a lot of things which he implemented during the national championships. Meanwhile, the 60km boys’ youth section was won by Ontlametse Maswabi of Tsela Riders followed by Lelentle Masoko. Maswabi said it was a tough race due to the weather but assistance from his teammates helped him to break away.
“It was bad out there on the road but I managed to hold on. Working with my teammates was a good strategy. I did not prepare much for the national championships because of school commitments but I had to be here due to the importance of this race,” he said. Lobopo Kono won the women’s 90km race followed by Ketelano Finke and Moratwa Matlhaope finished third.