Local cyclists gear up for 86 km Tour de Lesotho 

The Maluti Riders Cycling Club (MRCC) has started preparations for the annual Tour De Lesotho cycle race, held in April,  which runs from Maseru to Ha Mohale, MRCC spokesperson McGregor Lebesa has said.

In an interview with the Lesotho News Agency (LENA), Lebesa said to familiarise themselves with the tough race, members of his Club would take practice runs that included the steep and curvaceous Mountain Road once a week as well as the Ladybrand and Sefikeng routes. They would begin training on these routes as early as possible, he said.

He pointed however, to like lack of cooperation from motorists as they train along the roads, particularly taxi drivers. Using sub-standard equipment puts local cyclists at a disadvantage against contestants from other countries, he said, showing how each bicycle costs an estimated M10 000 which is unaffordable for most locals.

This was why they have been beaten in international races, not because the others are more talented but due to the more sophisticated equipment they use, the PRO said, adding that not only is there lots of talent but that there are cyclists in the country who could match and compete against the best of the internationals, provided they have the same bicycles, lighter but stronger than the ones most of the local cyclists are using.

McGregor Lebesa said his target is to better the position 35 he got last year and finish in the top ten bracket in his second year in the race.

The Tour De Lesotho is an annual race, which attracts cyclists from Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries.

12 January 2004