Kingdoms fight for bikes supremacy

 
 Lesotho and Swaziland will have to fight their own battle of the Kingdoms in the forthcoming Roof of Africa Rally labeled 'Kingdom Challenge' despite competing with the rest of participants on November 27.

A member of the organising committee Mr. Keketso Malebo said those who would be riding Bombardier motorcycles, Mr. John Thipane from Lesotho would be contesting against Mr. Ralston Smith from Swaziland for the floating trophy while Mr. Chris Andrews from Lesotho would battle it out with Mr. Kevin du Pont from Swaziland.He said the purpose behind having competition between the two Kingdoms is encouraging blacks to take part in the Roof of Africa Rally.

Mr. Thipane confirmed he has been training hard twice a day to prepare for the historic event. He also said he is going to buy a brand new bombardier motorcycle for M98 000 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, adding that he would start riding it on Friday to familiarize himself with it after which he would return it back for testing and servicing as well as unlocking the speed to prepare for the rally.

"I am ready for this race and prepared to hoist the Lesotho flag high amongst other nations," he highlighted.
Mr. Thipane started taking part in this annual event in 2001. A total of five Basotho will be taking part in the historic event that is expected to be graced by the presence of  King Letsie III.

There are already 10 countries which have already shown interest to take part in the race and over 1290 participants are expected to take part in the race. They are expected to cover a total of 1000 kilometres in three days and the Roof of Africa Rally will kick off at Roma, proceed to Semonkong, Ribaneng and end at Lancer's Gap. Participants will arrive in the country on November 26 at Lesotho Sun and the  following day will be a usual round the house races for all the categories of novices and Ulysses followed by time trials at Lancer's Gap.

Main sponsors of the rally are Lesotho Sun and no cash prizes will be awarded for the winners except trophies for those who will finish the race.

21 November 2003