AM600 Cycle Challenge raises P1million

The AM600 Cycle Challenge has been hailed as a success after it ended on Saturday at the Cresta Lodge in Gaborone. The event saw 27 cyclists peddling 600km over three days. The journey started in Jwaneng on Thursday morning to Gaborone via Lobatse on day one, Gaborone to Mahalapye on day two and Mahalapye back to Gaborone on day three. The intended beneficiaries, funds permitting, are Mokoboxane Primary School, St Joseph’s Primary School, Khwee Clinic, modern ICT Hub in Letlhakane and the Journey of Hope.

The aim of the challenge was to raise P1.5 million and at the moment more than P1 million has been collected with more pledges going to be paid on or before the ground-breaking ceremony.Speaking during the event, Komatsu Botswana managing director, Martin Cowley said they have been working on the project for the past five months.

“It is good to see the end of it and what we will be able to give back in the months to come. Five months ago it was just a dream. Today the vision is clear, compelling and rewarding for everyone that participated. I am determined than ever that we reach the less privileged members of the communities through this social investment project,” he said.

One of the cyclists, Moleko Majaga said it was a fun filled but painful three days. He said the most interesting part of the race was the women cyclists who took part in the challenge. He said in 2020 they had two women but to have six women in the weekend cycle challenge is encouraging and it will encourage other women to come on board. “We had other young cyclists who caused havoc. They were very fast and if we did not request them to slow down we could have arrived in Gaborone early. The first day was reasonable and Friday (second day) was really tough. The head winds to Mahalapye were tough. Coming back was a smooth ride,” he said.

Majaga said cyclists believe they are doing a great thing for the needy, but it is building cycling as a sport. “Yes, it is a good project but it is elevating cycling. Most cyclists do not get an opportunity to participate in such events. It is a once in a lifetime for cyclists. The First Lady, Neo Masisi said the other day she wants to see 50 or 75 cyclists not 25,” he said.