Rakaota storms Bocheletsane to victory

SEBONGILE MATHE

MASERU – Khotsofalang Rakaota, 18, has conquered this year’s 126km Bocheletsane Cycling Classic road race. The annual cycling competition roared to life in Mantšonyane, Thaba-Tseka, on March 16, attracting a vibrant energy and enthusiastic participation from a horde of cyclists.

The event featured four different race categories, the main 126km Bocheletsane Cycling Classic, a 42km race from Ha Mohale to Bocheletsane, a Pump Trak and a Development Critarium.

Rakaota, a native of Mantšonyane currently resident in Maseru, won the 126km race in the time of 5:13:10. He was followed by Kabelo Makatile in second place in 5:21:05, DL Apples of South Africa in third, Thato Molale in fourth position with Thabiso Mokalekale in fifth, both are from Botswana.

In the 42km race, in the boys’ category Lisakwanya Mntunyedwa took first place in the time of 1:40:52, Masita Seaja finished second in 1:42:20, followed by Tau Jonathan in third place. Thabo Tlouoe appeared fourth while Sechaba Tau finished fifth.

While in the 42km women’s race Pontšo Makatile won first position in the time of 2:06:54, Lebohang Selepe secured second place in 2:46:44. South African ‘Matumelo Tlabaly finished third and ‘Matoka Maboee was placed fourth.

In the Development Category in the Under-15 boys, Seutloali Morie won first place followed by Mohale Makatile appearing in second place, while the third place was taken by Kananelo Philips.

In the Pump Trak girls’ category Khotofalang Leuta secured the first place, Katleho Ralenono appeared in second place, while in Pump Trak boys, Pusetso Lekau won the first place, followed by Ralikotsi Ralethoko securing second place, Karabelo Mohope finished third.

Speaking to Public Eye following the race, Rakaota expressed utmost in winning the race, stating that the victory represented a significant improvement due to his dedicated training. While acknowledging some challenges, he noted his experience from previous races made the competition manageable.

A key element in Rakaota’s winning strategy in the competition was to lead the pack. He said he successfully maintained that position throughout much of the race.

However, climbing Thaba-Putsoa presented a considerable difficulty. Rather than discouraging him, he said, that challenge motivated him to push even harder towards victory.

Rakaota’s cycling journey began in 2016, at the age of 10, when his brother-in-law introduced him to the sport. He has since been passionately dedicated to cycling, falling in love with it without anticipating his future success, of which he is very proud.

“I want to represent Lesotho on the global stage and make my people proud,” said Rakaota.

He has his eyes set on securing an overseas cycling team, fuelled by his unwavering commitment to hard work and dedication. He is confident that his dreams will become reality.

Reflecting on his journey to stardom, Rakaota encouraged other cyclists stating: “Success is achievable with hard work, dedication, and a passionate commitment. I had no prior knowledge of cycling as a sport, but I dedicated myself to the sport, persevered, and cultivated a passion for it, which ultimately led to my success.”

Federation of Cycling Lesotho publicist, Malefane Morie, lauded the Bocheletsane Cycling Classic as a success, citing mainly the number of local victories. He emphasized the race’s importance in providing valuable international competitive experience for local cyclists.

Despite declaring the cycling spectacle a success, Morie highlighted several challenges. Two cyclists, one from Lesotho and another from Botswana, the two were injured.

“A Botswana cyclist sustained minor injuries and was discharged from the Mantšonyane Hospital after treatment. A Lesotho cyclist, with a broken hand, remains hospitalized at the Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital,” Morie said.

Furthermore, a woman cyclist in the 42km race fell after her glasses were dislodged by the wind, impacting her performance despite completing the race.

Morie highlighted the event’s growth, noting that this year’s Bocheletsane Cycling Classic saw over 80 participants, up from over 50 last year, and a mere 30 in its inaugural edition. He affirmed the event’s success.

In 2024, the 42km race was won by Rakaota, a rider recognised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). While the road race was won by a cyclist from Botswana, Lesotho’s Phetesto Monese took second place.

Monese was unable to compete in this year’s Bocheletsane Cycling Classic due to his participation in an international Mountain Biking event, where he will be teaming up with Tumelo Makae.