The Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) has introduced a new Under-13 category as part of efforts to strengthen cycling development from the grassroots level. The new category made its debut at the MTB National Championships held at Mokolodi Nature Reserve on Saturday. More than 50 cyclists took part in the championships across several age and experience categories as riders competed for national titles. The introduction of the Under-13 division gives younger cyclists an opportunity to participate in organised mountain biking competitions and gain valuable racing experience at an early age. The move also signals the BCA’s intention to build a stronger development pathway for young riders and create a broader base of talent for the future of Botswana cycling.
The MTB National Championships brought together cyclists competing in elite, Under-23, youth, junior, Under-13, veterans, masters and grand masters categories. The wide range of divisions allowed riders from different age groups and levels of experience to compete in an organised national championship environment. More than 50 cyclists participated, demonstrating continued interest in mountain biking and competitive cycling in Botswana. For younger participants, competing alongside athletes from established categories can provide an opportunity to understand the demands of competitive cycling. It can also help aspiring riders develop confidence and become familiar with race preparation, course conditions and the discipline required to compete at national level.
The introduction of the Under-13 category is particularly important because mountain biking requires technical skills that benefit from early development. BCA president Kgaiso Potongwane explained that MTB competitions demand skills that can be built from a young age, making early exposure an important part of athlete development. Young riders need to learn how to control their bicycles across different surfaces, manage turns and changes in terrain and maintain balance while riding at speed. Introducing these skills gradually can help children become more comfortable on their bikes while developing the foundations needed for more advanced competition. The Under-13 category provides a structured environment where these abilities can begin to develop through participation in organised racing.
Grassroots development is important for the long-term growth of any sport because it creates opportunities for young participants to enter the discipline and progress through different levels. Without accessible junior categories, children who show an interest in cycling may have fewer opportunities to compete and develop their skills. The new BCA category creates a clear entry point for young riders who want to experience mountain biking in a competitive setting. It can also encourage parents and families to become more involved in the sport by giving children an organised pathway for participation. Over time, a stronger grassroots programme can help increase the number of cyclists progressing into youth, junior and senior categories.
The Under-13 division can also help young cyclists develop skills beyond physical fitness. Competitive mountain biking requires concentration, discipline and the ability to make quick decisions while navigating a course. Young riders must learn how to respond to changes in terrain while managing their pace and maintaining control of their bicycles. Taking part in races can also teach children how to prepare for competition, follow rules and handle both success and disappointment. These experiences can contribute to personal development while helping young cyclists understand the commitment required to improve their sporting performance.
Holding the national championships at Mokolodi Nature Reserve also provided a suitable environment for a mountain biking competition that tests riders on natural terrain. Mountain biking differs from road cycling because riders must manage uneven surfaces, changes in elevation and technical sections that require precise bike handling. The natural environment can therefore challenge competitors in ways that demand both physical endurance and technical ability. For young cyclists, exposure to these conditions can be an important part of learning how to read a course and adapt their riding technique. Competing in different environments over time can help riders become more versatile and better prepared for higher levels of competition.
The BCA’s decision to introduce the new category also creates opportunities to identify promising young riders at an early stage. Regular competition can give coaches and cycling officials a clearer view of the skills and potential of emerging athletes. Young cyclists who demonstrate strong ability can then receive appropriate guidance and encouragement as they progress through the development system. Early identification does not mean placing excessive pressure on children, but rather ensuring that those who enjoy the sport have opportunities to improve. A well-structured pathway can allow talented riders to develop at an appropriate pace while keeping participation enjoyable and sustainable.
The new category could also contribute to increasing participation in cycling among children across Botswana. When young people see riders in their age group competing in recognised events, cycling can become a more accessible and realistic sporting option. Parents may also be more willing to support participation when competitions offer clearly defined age categories and an organised structure. Schools, clubs and community cycling programmes can potentially use the new division as an incentive to introduce more children to mountain biking. Greater participation at a young age can ultimately expand the pool of cyclists available for future national competitions.
The introduction of the Under-13 category forms part of a broader opportunity to strengthen Botswana’s cycling development system. Developing young riders requires more than creating competition categories, as athletes also need access to coaching, safe training environments, suitable equipment and regular opportunities to compete. The new division can provide one part of that pathway by giving children a platform to apply the skills they develop during training. Continued investment in youth cycling can help ensure that participation grows steadily rather than depending mainly on established senior riders. Strong junior development can also contribute to the future competitiveness of Botswana cyclists at regional and international events.
The MTB National Championships therefore represented more than a competition for national titles. The participation of more than 50 cyclists across eight categories showed the breadth of the cycling community, while the introduction of the Under-13 division added a new dimension to the country’s development programme. For the young riders who took part, the event provided an opportunity to experience organised mountain bike racing and begin developing skills that can support their progression. For the BCA, the category creates a foundation for attracting more children and building interest in mountain biking from an earlier age. The success of the initiative will depend on continued opportunities for young riders to train, compete and develop within a supportive cycling environment.
The Botswana Cycling Association’s introduction of the Under-13 category is a practical step towards growing mountain biking from the grassroots level. As Kgaiso Potongwane noted, the technical skills required for MTB competitions can be developed from an early age, making youth participation an important part of the sport’s future. Giving children their own competitive category can encourage participation while helping them gain experience in bike handling, discipline, fitness and race preparation. If the initiative is supported by continued coaching and regular competitions, it can help create a stronger pipeline of cyclists for Botswana’s future. The move at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve championships provides a promising starting point for developing the next generation of Batswana mountain bikers.
