The cycling challenge was part of efforts to contribute towards the sport's development amongst the youth. The 14 cyclists from the neighbouring countries were part of the Aluwani, Tsvaira, and Hokoyo cycling clubs.
There was also an impressive turnout of around 20 females who participated in different categories such as the 120km Elite category, 120km as the main event and 60km as the open, which were the most prominent categories.
Thulasizwe Mthende from Aluwani Cycling Club walked away with P8,000 cash prize money after finishing first in the male Elite 120km category with a time of 2:59:33. Jwaneng Cycling Club's Nonofo Maswabi was crowned the champion in the female Elite 120km after finishing with a time of 3:11:54. Nolan Hoffman of Aluwani Cycling Club walked away with P2,000 after winning the male veterans 120km category.
After crossing the finish line with a time of 3:39:03, Thobokani Mosetha of Khoemacau Cycling Club won the male master category. Both the veteran and master categories did not have female entrants. Lorato Makgaope of Tsela Riders and Given Mthembo of Aluwani won the Under-23 120km race under the female and male categories respectively.
There were no junior females for the 120km main event but Katlego Ditlogolo of Botswana Railways won the same category in the males' section, clocking 3:10:34. Amelia Gaefele and Leo Nare won the girls' and boys' Under-10 races respectively whereas Orefile Moatshe and Njabule Mochivo scooped the first position under the Under-12 girls and boys.
Shato Phiri was the only girl who participated in the Under-14 girls' challenge and Moabi Sethoko was the champion in the Under-14 boys' class. Maitseo Boyas from Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Cycling Club walked away with P1,000 for winning the female 30km category.
Swift Cycling Club was also represented in the challenge as their cyclist, Sekao Ntau won the female youth 60km Open title while Francistown-based Tobetobe Cycling Club's Thabo Seabelo won the equivalent of the men's race.
Nomsa Sekopo of Morupule Coal Mine Cycling Club beat the field in the female 60km Open while Tshepo Sentsho of Team Shift defeated all the male categories. The proceeds from the cycling challenge will go towards sports development and other initiatives meant to attract more youth within Boteti to join the Orapa Classic Cycling Club.
