The Uganda national Motocross team, ‘The MX Cranes,’ is facing a major setback ahead of the prestigious Motocross of African Nations championship (MXoAN). A contingent of 36 riders, accompanied by their parents, coaches, and mechanics, arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe, only to find that their bikes were delayed at the border.
Bike Delay Causes Training Challenges
The bikes were supposed to arrive in Harare early enough before the scrutineering, but due to Zimbabwe’s public holidays (Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces Day) which happen on Monday and Tuesday, the clearance process was delayed. As a result, the team lacked sufficient practice and bike feel ahead of the championship, which starts tomorrow.
Riders Seek Alternative Solutions
Some riders, including team captain Gift Ssebuguzi and Israel Mpuga, managed to hire bikes from South Africa to smoothen their practice. By press time, the team’s bikes had just arrived in Harare, with only an hour to spare before scrutineering.
Uganda’s Championship Ambitions
Uganda, which finished second in the last edition of the MXoAN championship, last won the title in 2012 and will be looking to reclaim it. However, the bike delay has thrown a spanner in the works, and the team will need to overcome this challenge to achieve their goal.
