Hinz and Miller hit form early in 2024
Cycling
Yesterday's event attracted 220 entries, which is a series record.
Alex Miller and Melissa Hinz won the first of six races in the 2024 Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power road bike series on the Dordabis road east of the capital yesterday.No official times or placings had been released at the time of going to press. The event attracted 220 entries, which is a series record.
Christiaan Janse van Rensburg from South Africa took the second position in the men’s race, with Daniel Abraham of Netherlands third.
Vera Looser was second behind Hinz in the women’s race.
It was the first time in three years that the elite men riding 100 kilometres could not overtake the elite women (80 km) from behind, which is a significant feather in the cap for Hinz and Looser’s current racing levels.
Hinz said: “I took a week off during the holidays to mentally prepare for the new season and I think that helped me a lot. The wind was definitely in my favour today and I really like the route.
“The women rode really well today and it shows how well we are prepared. Hopefully this is an example for the others who also want to come and participate.
“We worked well together and maintained a tight pace. After the turn back I rode tactically and it worked for me.
“I will give my best at the upcoming Nedbank national championship, but I don’t have particularly high expectations. The route at the championship on January 28 doesn’t really suit me.”
OLYMPIC YEAR
Miller, who last week announced joining Toyota Specialized Racing team, said: “I’m happy with the result and it’s nice to be able to ride with the local guys again.
“I am preparing for mountain bike competitions in South Africa and need to improve my intensity.
“Next weekend is a big one with the Attakwas mountain bike race in the Western Cape. My big focus for now is the Cape Epic in March and then to be selected for the Olympic Games in Paris.
“Many thanks to Windhoek Pedal Power and Nedbank and other sponsors for the competition.”
Axel Theissen, president of the Namibian Cycling Federation, said: “The peloton of the elite women worked together excellently today and the men could not overtake them for the first time in three years. The women had a very impressive race and this show how well they are prepared.
“Namibia has one slot for Paris and still has to appoint a rider to send to the Olympic Games. I think cycling is currently in a good place in Namibia with a record number of entries for the first competition. Many thanks to Nedbank, our main sponsor, the cyclists and supporters who made today a success.”
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