The inspiring performance of five local cyclists in last Saturday's (May 7, 2005) Tour de Lesotho race has secured them the sponsorship of Exel Petroleum Lesotho and Nedbank.

Tekenyane Moubane, the first Mosotho cyclist to reach the finish line at Ha Mohale, 86 kilometres away from Maseru; Makhashe Ramolungoa; Poloko Makara ; Tumisang Taabe and Moeketsi Makatile will get the sponsorship, which covers training, equipment as well as participation in other competitions.

Moubane (20) managed to finish the race at 2.59 which falls within the three hours standard time for local riders, according to a member of the Tour de Lesotho Organising Committee Sehaole Mpopo said. 

Mpopo said the sponsorship had come at the right time, when the country's14 member team, including the five, were preparing for the Commonwealth Games, in Melbourne, Australia in March next year. 'The assistance will go a long way towards ensuring that our riders get ready for this internationally acclaimed event,' he said.

Local cyclists will be participating for the first time in the Commonwealth Games.

This year's Tour De Lesotho has been won by South African Nicolas White for the second time in a row, covering the distance in 2.36 hours.

09 May 2005