Bicycle race gets P235,000 boost

Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday February 12, 2014 12:53

 

Speaking at the launch of the sponsorship, John Bennett from Tsela Riders said the race, which will be the first of its kind in Botswana will be held from February 14 until 23. He said that three days race is a popular event in the international cycling calendar. He said that the race would start with a fast and furious prologue time trial on Friday evening when cyclists compete on one lap of a four kilometres circuit from Masa Centre. Bennett said the event would be followed by an 84 kilometres road race the following morning at Boate/Mmankgodi junction, then an hour circuit race in the new Gaborone CBD in the afternoon. The final race is the 109 kilometres road event that will start and finish at the Grand Palm Hotel.

 'Sunday includes several fun rides, including a kiddies ride, 20 kilometres corporate challenge and beginners race and a 60 kilometres race,' Bennett said. He said the focus of the event is to promote cycling in Botswana. Bennett said the maximum number of entrants is 120 and 60 places will be reserved for Botswana citizens and residents. Cyclists from South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe are expected to participate in the race. 

The winners in the women and men categories will walk away with P9,000, second prize is P4,000 and the third prize is P2,000. The fourth prize is P1,500 while those who finish fifth get P1,200. Sixth position gets P1,000, P800 is for position seven, P600 for position eight, P500 is for position nine and P400 is for position 10.  Bennett announced that the individual entry fee is P400 while teams of four cyclists will pay P1,250.  Builders World director, Imraan Gardar said his company has been associated with sports for more than 25 years. He said sports plays a pivotal role in marketing the country and promoting healthy lifestyle to the general public.