Mantle catches them young
Gobona Mantle, a level 1 and 2 UCI qualified coach, has taken it upon himself to provide young cyclists in Botswana with the recognition and opportunities they deserve. Recognizing a gap in the current cycling scene, Mantle started conducting coaching classes for the little ones, aiming to develop their skills and passion for the sport.
One of the challenges Mantle identified was that young riders were often participating in fun rides that did not motivate or add value to their development. To address this, he created the Lifecycle Bike Shredders Challenge, which has now been renamed the Paratus Bike Shredders Challenge and took place this past Saturday.
For the past two years, Paratus Botswana has been the main sponsor of this event, and the partnership has been instrumental in its success.
Mantle’s vision for the event goes beyond just a race. It is a development program aimed at nurturing young talent from a tender age, providing them with support, knowledge, and skills to compete at a higher level as they grow older. The event has grown significantly over the past four years and having a cycling association is a bonus for
the youngsters, facilitating talent scouting and other important aspects of their development.
“The importance of hosting these events cannot be understated. They bring kids together, encouraging them to get on their bikes and train for race day,” she said. “This does not only promote their physical health and wellness but also instills in them the importance of competition from a young age.”
Additionally, the events help combat non-communicable diseases and teach valuable life lessons to the participants.
This year, the Paratus Bike
Shredders Challenge has seen increased excitement and participation, with four series taking place in a single year instead of the usual three. Mantle plans to continue expanding the events next year, with the ultimate goal of providing opportunities for the young cyclists to compete internationally.
In the most recent event, held this past Saturday, a total of 61 kids participated, showcasing their skills and determination. The success of the event can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of Gobona Mantle, as well as the support from Paratus Botswana.