Toughest AM620 Cycling Challenge concludes
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday August 20, 2024 09:36
The cyclists endured the toughest terrain covering 620km, which started in Gaborone on Wednesday. They had to deal with crossing winds and heat in Kgalagadi North and Gantsi. The three days challenge, which was organised by the Albert Milton Foundation, was meant to raise funds for charity. The event is also meant to honour the late former Debswana Managing director, Albert Milton who was an avid cyclist, hence the name of the challenge. The cycling challenge has been ongoing since 2020 and the AM620 is the third instalment. The past two editions were held before the establishment of the Albert Milton Foundation, which was launched in July by First Lady Neo Masisi.
In 2020, the first edition being Majwe AM570 Challenge went on the road and raised P2.4 Million followed by the 2022 Komatsu AM600 where P1.8 Million was raised. The 2024 edition attracted 23 cyclists from different clubs with some of them coming from South Africa and London. Speaking at the end of the challenge, Albert Milton Foundation trustee, Albertina Milton, appreciated the hard work that cyclists put in the challenge. “There were no casualties during the challenge and women worked hard on day two. I want to take this opportunity to thank you especially the elite cyclists, they might not have gone to the Paris 2024 Olympics but they are the future of cycling in Botswana.
The elite cyclists carried us all the way. It is the first time we are hosting this Challenge after setting up the Foundation. At the moment, I am not sure when the next challenge will be hosted or how,” she said. Angelinah explained that they selected cyclists from different clubs to form a team. She said the idea is all about empowering the youth. One of the elite cyclists, Lloyd Molale, told SportMonitor that it was a wonderful experience when off the bike but traumatising when on the bike. “I have been part of the challenge for almost four years. This challenge is a family tradition to me. This year it was different because every day the distance increased, that made it more difficult, you get more tired, the distance went up which was something different compared to the past editions,” Molale said.