Created by Mark West
© Lesotho Cycling 2011
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Delight in Eden
Mark West
Lesotho cyclist, Poloko Makara, notched another victory on his seatpost, when he clinched the Eden Classic MTB race near Thaba Nchu on 10/04/2010.
Poloko (competing in the colours of Letseng Diamonds), is almost unknown on the Freestate MTB cycling circuit, so he caused quite a shock to win the 70km main race, scooping the R1000 first prize and R250 “King Of The Mountains” prize along the way. It was refreshing to see the camaraderie of his competitors, many of whom heartily congratulated Poloko after the race. The winning time of 3hrs 52 mins is a testament to the difficulty of the route with muddy pools, technical descents, difficult climbs and tough grassy paths.
The race was organised by Founties Mounties Cycling Club, from Bloemfontein using the Devonshire Farm as an excellent venue, and was sanctioned by CSA commissaires. Well done to Bryce, Willie and the team for their great work!
MTB is a fairly new venture for Poloko, who fosters a dream of representing Lesotho in the 167km Cycling Road Race at the upcoming Delhi Commonwealth Games. It is not easy to travel from his home in Maseru to big road races, so the nearby Freestate MTB scene presents a welcome opportunity to stretch his legs, build his strength and concentrate his focus. The prize money also comes in handy to provide for his parents and siblings who have sacrificed a lot to help him reach his dreams.
It was also a chance for my 15 year old son, Lichaba, to get his first taste of MTB racing. He finished battered and bruised after falling twice and fixing a puncture, but I hope that this will be the first of many more races to come (and a lot less falls!)
This was a great race and we are excited to hear that Founties Mounties are also planning a 3 leg MTB trophy series starting on 15 May 2010. Check out their website for more details. Poloko expects that he will be a marked man now and it will not be easy to keep on winning… but it will be fun trying!
The event also proved to be an important diplomatic occasion for me as Secretary
General of Lesotho Cycling. I managed to rub shoulders with officials of Freestate
(South) Cycling and it was exciting to hear news about the two-
