Motloutse Cycling tour to celebrate 50th Independence
Imi Mokgethi | Friday September 2, 2016 14:39
Speaking to Mmegi Sport, Motloutse Cycling Club (MCC) secretary, Khumoetsile Mapitse said they have adopted the theme “50 Years of Sport Development in Botswana,” which is in line with the golden jubilee celebrations.
He said in a bid to bring an improved event this year, they have extended invitations to every cycling club in the country, adding that cyclists from South Africa and Zimbabwe will also grace the event as they have confirmed their attendance.
Mapitse also said the cycling tour which is one of the biggest in the country aims at promoting sports tourism in the Selebi-Phikwe area.
“The race will follow a scenic route in Bobirwa area and offers sport tourism opportunities in the greater Selebi-Phikwe area, commonly known as SPEDU region. The route is the same as last year’s, starting from Sefophe and going through Bobonong and Tsetsejwe then back to Sefophe,” he said.
He highlighted that the race caters for all types of cyclists with different categories being 160km, 100km, 60km and 30km fun-ride.
Mapitse further noted that the race will also offer the 10km kiddies category as part of the club’s dedication to develop cyclists at grassroots level, adding that all Under-19 participants will be provided with accommodation.
In addition, he stated that they are still in negotiations with potential sponsors, indicating that they expect some of last year’s sponsors to come on board again this year.
“Some of our sponsors from last year have pulled out due to the current economic situation in the SPEDU region. However, we are hoping to attract a similar level of sponsorship as last year’s,” saidMapitse.
He said the prize money will be revealed after the negotiations with sponsors have been sealed.
The event takes place on October 9.