The Bocheletsane Cycling Classic is gearing up for its third annual edition scheduled for March 16, with the organisers promising a bigger and better event.
Known for promoting sports development, healthy living, and sports tourism in Lesotho, the annual cycling tournament is expected to attract an even larger audience this year.
The Federation of Cycling Lesotho (FCL) officially announced the return of the event earlier this week, with the sponsorship for the event significantly increased since its inception in 2020.
Initially funded with M65 000, the Sam Matekane Foundation (SMF) has boosted sponsorship to M200 000—the same amount as in the 2024 edition.
Speaking to Newsday, FCL’s public relations officer Malefane Morie noted that prize money details are yet to be disclosed, pending final decisions by the technical teams.
This year, the Bocheletsane Cycling Classic will feature multiple race categories, catering to both elite and amateur cyclists.
The cycling categories will include freestyle, which is open to all age groups who love cycling; pump track, which includes various categories such as elite riders, boys and girls under 17, and youth under 14 years.
The road race, which is also the main event, will encompass the route from Maseru all the way to Mantšonyane for elite riders. The amateurs race will start from Likalaneng to Mantšonyane, while the youth and elders race will be around Mantšonyane area.
Morie stated that registration is still open but no official cyclists have been registered yet due to two upcoming cycling events prior to the Bocheletsane race
These are Individual Time Trial Competition scheduled fo February 9, and Lifestyle Cycling Club Event on February 15, which will be celebrating the birthdays of two prominent riders. Both events will take place at Bypass Road in Maseru.
Incepted in 2020, the Bocheletsane Cycling Classic started with just 30 local riders, but now in its third year, the 2024 edition is seeing a major improvement, with over 50 participants, including international cyclists from Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
This year, the FCL is looking forward to an even bigger event, further solidifying the tournament’s status as a key sports tourism attraction. The event is also boosting local businesses, increasing demand for restaurants, lodging, and other services.
With registration still open, both professional and amateur cyclists are encouraged to sign up for what is anticipated to be one of Lesotho’s most prestigious sporting events.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports.
Started working at Newsday in 2021.
has an Associate Degree in Journalism and Media.
