Three Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) members will undergo a five-week cycling course under the International Cycling Union (UCI) Development Programme organised by the World Cycling Centre Africa (WCCA) in Potchefstroom, South Africa, starting today.
The team comprises of Promise Ntshese, Amogelang Thwabi both from Botrail Cycling Club and Abeng Malete of team Jon Mol Cycling Club following their sterling performance in past local cycling challenges that were held in different parts of the country in 2016.
The programme pits Under-23 male and females athletes from across Africa in preparation for the ICU 1.1km and 1.2km races that are billed for South Africa next month.
Ntshese said she had been hard at training under the mentorship of Anouk van der Geest who has contributed massively on her success in the past races.
“I took part in various races this year and I have been doing very well. I have accumulated some points which has improved my ratings and Anouk has really pushed me beyond my limits together with my club Botswana Railways,” she said.
She further stated they had since made enormous progress since their induction at the 2nd Africa Youth Games that were held in Gaborone in 2014.
“I am happy with the progress we have made thus far because when we started cycling two years ago we did not understand anything about the sport’s dynamics but today we are considered the best in the country and we have even proved ourselves beyond borders and at national level. I specialises in the road bike category; that’s where I have invested my confidence,” added the 19-year-old Ntshese.
Malete says he is happy with his consistency that led him to reach his target this season which he described as a true reflection of progress.
“It was a good season despite a few setbacks, but I managed to reach my goals,” he said.
The WCCA’s main aim is to develop and improve the level of cyclists across the continent and to prepare African riders for international competitions.
BCA spokesperson Kagiso Potongwane says they are delighted to have sent the athletes to South Africa to enhance their skills.
“These athletes will be provided with high level coaching and performance evaluation by international experts during the camp. They will also be taught certain life skills necessary in their future,” he explained.
The team is expected back home on November 21 for the last local race of the year in Gaborone.
