Maseru came alive with energy and excitement this past Saturday as nearly 100 cyclists of all ages and backgrounds participated in the second edition of the Tour de Maseru.
The event, which continues to gain momentum, brought together sport, community, and international cooperation in a vibrant display of unity and celebration.
Organised by Alliance Française de Maseru in collaboration with the French Embassy to South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, this year’s tour was held in honour of Olympic and Paralympic Day, celebrated globally on June 23.
The day commemorates the founding of the modern Olympic Games in 1894 and promotes core values such as excellence, friendship, respect, and inclusion, all of which were on full display in the heart of Lesotho’s capital.
Participants assembled at Maseru Mall for the start of the event, representing a diverse cross-section of society, from seasoned cyclists and youth clubs to families and international visitors.
The race featured different categories tailored to age and skill level, transforming the city streets into a lively festival of sport and solidarity.
The event received strong organisational support from the Federation of Cycling Lesotho (FCL), Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC), BBL Mountain Bike Club, and the United States Embassy in Maseru.
Beyond promoting physical fitness, the Tour aimed to encourage cultural exchange and community engagement.
Thabo Tsiki, Sports Director at the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, lauded the growing influence of the Tour de Maseru.
“This is only the second edition of the Tour de Maseru, but we believe it will become one of the biggest cycling events in Lesotho. We want to see more and more athletes participating each year, not just from Lesotho, but from neighbouring countries as well,” Tsiki said.
He emphasised that such events help strengthen regional bonds and demonstrate Lesotho’s preparedness to compete on the international stage, highlighting the country’s consistent representation at the Olympic Games and other global competitions.
FCL’s President Rammotang Makatile echoed this vision, stressing the tour’s importance in nurturing young local talent.
“One of our main goals is to get more young people, especially those aged 15 to 21, involved in cycling. The Tour serves as an important preparation for major international competitions like the MTB Championships and the Olympic Games,” said Makatile.
He added that planning for the 2025 World Championships is already in progress, with cycling being the first sport from Lesotho to secure qualification for the event.
The Tour de Maseru first launched in 2023 as part of the bicentennial celebrations of the Basotho nation and in the build-up to the 2024 Olympic Games. Reflecting on the tour’s origins, Elisabeth Douillet, Director of Alliance Française de Maseru, spoke of the strong community support it received.
“We were so encouraged by the excitement and participation in the first edition that we decided to make this an annual event,” Douillet said.
She thanked all the partners involved, especially LNOC and FCL for making the event possible.
“The energy from the riders and the community has been incredible. This race has become more than just a cycling event; it is a celebration of community and global friendship,” she added.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
