By Mohalenyane Phakela
MASERU — Local cycling organisation, Lesotho Sky, held the first-ever bicycle fun ride challenge at Maseru Mall last Friday.
Titled Maseru Mall Corporate Challenge, the event was supported by Maluti Mountain Brewery (MMB) and attracted more than 300 riders from different companies in the country.
The challenge was a team-based event in which five riders from the same company made up a team and were allocated a single bicycle. Relay race-style, the first rider cycled around the Maseru Mall building (two kilometres) and passed the bicycle to the next teammate until the last one.
About 50 corporate teams contested. Speaking at the event, Lesotho Sky founder, Christian Schmidt, said they are trying to introduce cycling to Basotho who have never been exposed to it.
“The aim is to get people out of the office and onto bicycles whilst promoting the importance of healthy living and fitness. It is also a team-building and networking event,” Schmidt said.
“Lesotho Sky team believes it is very important to find the alternative, cheaper and carbon-free means of transport for the city of Maseru, especially in the light of the rapid increase in the number of vehicles on the roads.
He furthermore said: “Cycling is an emerging sport in Lesotho and only a few people use it as means of transport. This event aims at raising awareness for cyclists on the streets of Lesotho.”
The event was also aimed at honouring King Letsie III 50th birthday by donating bicycles to Sky Trust Charity in Ramoshabe, Mafeteng, so as to nurture interest in cycling among rural dwellers.
The royal children Princess Senate, Prince Lerotholi and Prince Masupha (who were also among the riders on day) received and donated bicycles on His Majesty’s behalf.
One of the riders from the Lesotho Sun team, Clix Salman, said he would be happy to see the event being an annual competition.
“This type of inventiveness helps us keep fit while having fun.
“Most of us spend time in offices and never have time to exercise so I thank Lesotho Sky for organising this challenge and I am definitely looking forward to the next one,” Salman said.
Team MAF (pilots) came first followed by Alliance Insurance, with the MMB team hot on the heels in third place.
Schmidt promised to ensure that the event becomes semi-annual or even quarterly if the success of this debut show is sustained.
