International training camp for local cyclists
Staff Writer | Wednesday March 16, 2016 14:30
The Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) were given four slots and sent Arnold Kokwane, Thato Madimabe, Matshidiso Ebudilwe and Bonno Motlhetlhi who are expected back in the country on March 24.
BCA president, Mmetla Masire said the training camp will help expose the four cyclists to international standards. “We have never been able to attend international training and this opportunity will definitely give these cyclists exposure,” he said.
Masire said the four cyclists were selected based on last year’s National Championships results.
They will join the rest of the team when they return before they leave for Lesotho for the Continental Championships. The competition takes place from March 28 to April 4. “Our belief is that we can do well in these championships because unlike the road event, the mountain bike competition includes several variables like terraces so it gives everyone a chance.
With the road challenge, if you are the best then you definitely win it. But with this one, you can be left behind in a sandy environment, for example, but be able to catch up on a tough terrace if that is where your strength is,” he said.
He said besides that, it is the first ever appearance at the event and therefore will give them exposure. “We attended the road event for the first time last year and learnt a lot.
This time we are attending the mountain bike event also for the first time.
It will be more of a bench marking exercise for us,” he said.