Moorosi Tsiane
SKY Cycling League manager Tumelo Makhetha says preparations are on course for the upcoming Red Bull Pump Track world qualifiers in Roma on Saturday.
Pump track riders from Lesotho and South Africa go head to head in a bid to qualify for the world championships set for Switzerland on a yet to be disclosed date.
Winners from the male and female categories will be fully sponsored by Red Bull for the finals.
Makhetha this week said they have local riders who are good enough to qualify for the finals.
He said last year’s winner Mosito Mohapi, Molefi Ntoko and Kopano Matobo have all done well in the male category since last year while Khothalang Leuta has dominated the female category.
“The preparations are on track and we are just waiting for Saturday,” Makhetha said.
“We are expecting fierce competition and I think we have athletes who are good enough to qualify among them Molefi, Mosito, Kopano and Hopolang, who have all done well and have also improved their times.
“They have all consistently performed well in the Sky League, so I think they are ready.”
Makhetha confirmed that they are also expecting some riders from outside Lesotho.
“Of course, we will have rider from outside the country, so the competition will be intense. So far, I know of a few South Africans who are coming.”
However, Makhetha said they will be banking on the home advantage for the local riders to win the competition.
“Our athletes are used to this track hence we hope that they use that advantage,” Makhetha said.
