Telekelo riding solo
Following his nasty knee injury during the Karowe Cycle Challenge back in 2018, ardent cyclist, Lulu Telekelo has been recuperating at home and now fully recovered he plans a return to the top as a solo cyclist.
Last week the former Orapa Cycling Challenge and Mascom Cycling Challenge winner officially announced severing ties with his club Morupule Cycling Club and will be riding solo for the year 2021.
In an interview this week, Telekelo admitted that the injury has somehow delayed his progress in the sport but he is eager to return to high level competition though this time he will not be attached to any team.
“I understand the importance of team work and that it can benefit me as an individual but my intention is pure and genuine, I want to be on my own and challenge myself by attracting sponsors and many other partners in the sport as well.”
Furthermore, he said that he was not satisfied with how local teams assist their athletes whenever they sustain injuries and that is one of the contributing factors to why he had to quit his club.
“Even when my injury kept reoccurring the team didn’t support me enough or check on how I was doing. I did everything with the little money I got to try that make sure that I fully recover. This injury has really opened my eyes to a lot of things, resigning from Morupule Cycling Club was a big decision that I took and I didn’t seek advice from anyone; but it’s for a good cause.
Currently, the cyclist does not have a race bicycle for competition.
“The one I am using is very heavy but I can finish in the top 3 when I use it. I believe business people can assist me with racing equipment and in return they can get the opportunity to advertise or brand their services and company on my racing attire,” he said. The 27 year old says his efforts are to attract elite sponsors through his performance during competitions. “I don’t intend to be a superstar but I want to do my best to reach the levels I have always craved and I believe this is the path I should explore in order to realize my dreams,” the Ranaka native said.