Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Nedbank MTB (Mountain Bike) Series Cup kicked off this past weekend at the Masianokeng Lifestyle Centre. Veteran cyclist Phetetso Monese won the 50 kilometres ride in a time of 1:54:12 hours, beating Ramohanoe Ramohanoe by just a second.
Ramohanoe had to settle for second position clocking 1:54:13 and in third place came Nyakoane Mothobi with a time of 2:06:55. This category was for the elite men and the U23.
The Nedbank and Cycling Federation of Lesotho (FCL) launched the series of races two weeks ago and the races will be held over the next two months. The main purpose of the races is to prepare Team Lesotho for the World Championships to be held in Scotland in August.
The FCL is yet to confirm the number of riders that will represent Lesotho. However, there are about seven athletes who are preparing for the championships.
There is a chance the number will decrease depending on the physical fitness of the athletes or if they will be able to travel to Scotland. The women’s and youth categories were both 30km long.
Pontšo Makatile (1:45:30), Tšepiso Lerata (1:47:10) and Lebohang Selepe (1:52:37) finished in the top three for women while Mahooana Makatile (1:26:58), Mosa Mohapi (1:32:48) and Molefi Lerotholi (1:56:49) topped the youth boys section.
The following race will be held on July 2 at Makoanyane Square and it will be a road racing event with a short circuit race where competitors will complete laps.
The last and biggest event will also be a Mountain Bike race at Maseru Mall in July. Tumelo Makae who is one of the riders that will be representing Lesotho is currently in Switzerland in training camps.
Good preparation will be key for Team Lesotho if they have any chance of finishing in respectable positions at World Championships. Other category winners:
Veterans 30km Pitso Phosholi (2:22:48) Karabo Thulo (2:29:00) Tanki Ramoolla (2:33:10) U14 boys 2.4km Seutloali Morie (0:10:15) Letlatsa Foulo (0:10:17) Bokang Likotsi (0:11:03) U14 girls 2.4km Reabetsoe Monese (0:12:10) Khahliso Qoachela (0:18:30)
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