President Lt Gen Ian Khama will on 3rd September take his final lap as a “cycling president” at the first President Charity Cycle Challenge.’
Khama in partnership with Botswana National Sport Commission have organised the President Charity Cycle Challenge which will be an annual event.
Solly Reikeletseng, BNSC chairperson, explained that this being a charity challenge they have set themselves a target to raise being P1.5 million, which will be taken to the presidential trust. He said the race also aims to build capacity of Botswana cycling.
“I have been informed by BCA president that they have a lot of deficiencies when it comes to capacity. Cycling does not have timing equipment, a monitoring vehicle, enough bicycles to give to cyclists when they have events and proper offices to run operations. Once we have built this structure well, we are able to capacitate them to become a world class association,” he said.
He further more this race comes as an advantage for Botswana to drive the government to improve roads which will accommodate cyclist. Adding that our roads are not structured well to accommodate cyclist hence we have lost so many cyclist. His hope is to lobby the builders of the city through this race to do things right.
“This race is open to everyone and will be the last race His Excellence will be parting in as the sitting President”. Tlamelo Dube, head of technical for the President Cycle Challenge event, said preparations are ongoing adding that this race is not only for locals but or any nation as well.
The route has been identified but it is to be a surprise. He noted that there are three categories being, 112 kL for the professional cycles, and 60 kl for the juniors, the 30 and 10 kl for kids. For the first time in the history of Botswana cycle, the price money will be P10 000 for both male and female. As support for Botswana cyclist, Dube noted that the first Motswana to end their race will be given P3000.
