VALAIS, Switzerland — Lesotho’s premier mountain biker, Tumelo Makae, is proudly flying his nation’s flag at the UCI World Mountain Bike Championships this week in the Swiss Alps. The 29-year-old began his campaign on Tuesday afternoon with the Short Course (XCC) qualification race at 16:30. His main target, however, is the Olympic Cross-Country (XCO) event, scheduled for Sunday 14 September at 13:30—the highlight of the championships and the focus of his months of preparation.
The Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) has publicly wished him success, noting that his performances continue to showcase the country’s growing reputation in international cycling. Makae is currently ranked around #270 in the UCI world elite standings with approximately 145 ranking points, an impressive position for a rider from a small mountain kingdom competing against the sport’s global powerhouses.
At home, he is a multi-time national champion in both Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) and Short Track (XCC)disciplines. Earlier this year, he underlined his status as Lesotho’s most decorated mountain biker by finishing runner-up at the 2025 Lesotho National XCO Championships.
Beyond national borders, Makae races for the internationally recognised Pump for Peace Racing Team, a program dedicated to expanding cycling opportunities in under-represented regions. He is a repeated finisher of the grueling Cape Epic stage race in South Africa, one of the toughest multi-day mountain bike events in the world, demonstrating the endurance and skill required to compete at elite level.
He has also lined up at UCI World Cups and World Championships across Europe, including demanding Swiss venues such as Crans-Montana and Lenzerheide, where he regularly tests himself against the world’s best.
By consistently appearing on the international stage, Tumelo Makae has become Lesotho’s leading cross-country mountain biker, ensuring the small, mountainous nation remains visible on the global MTB map. His combination of perseverance, national pride, and international ambition makes him a role model for young athletes throughout Lesotho.
As he takes on the rugged alpine trails of Valais this weekend, he will have the support of Basotho on his back.
