Malete to defend the cycle challenge

The 2017 Mascom Cycle challenge champion, Abeng Malete intends to defend his title during the 2018 edition scheduled for the 16th of September. Speaking to Sun Sports this week, Malete said his body was ready to spin the wheels, “I have been preparing well for the event and I will definitely retain my title,” he said. Malete noted that his training schedule has been a fully structured and intense one with the ultimate goal to improve his race time. The rising star recorded an impressive 2:43:00 last year but wants to at least beat 2:30:00 this year. He has been competing at the Mascom Cycle Challenge for the past four years and has been a dominant force to reckon with locally. More to that he also won the 2017 Jwaneng Mine GMs challenge and the President Charity Cycle. Locally, none intimidates the young cyclist of team Swift Cycling Club and if only wishes were horses, he would be plying his trade across the borders. He recently returned from his one -year contract with one club based in South Africa. “I am still searching for other opportunities out there, I have dominated many races locally and I need to spread my wings further,” Malete said. Meanwhile mobile phone service providers Mascom Wireless recently splashed a whopping P250 000 towards the 2018 event. At the event, Mascom Brand and Communication Manager, Kushata Mosojane promised that they want to continue participation in cycling as a sport and provide a platform for cyclists who are at different levels of professionalism to challenge themselves. She said the intention is to attract over 200 participants this year given the 97 that attended last year. Nevertheless Malete noted that the organizers of the race, Tsela Riders Cycling Club and the main sponsor, Mascom should ensure that there is improvement in terms of marshals to ensure safety for cyclists during the race. When reached, Tsela Riders Chairman, Charles Vaughan said they would ensure that all goes according to plan saying the intention is to grow from strength to strength. He expressed concern that there has been less road races this year due to lack of sponsors, “We are trying to push cycling awareness hence the race starts and finishes in town at the CBD complex,” he said.