Lowe, Fester win Nedbank Rock and Rut round
Under 23 mountain bike cyclist Kevin Lowe and elite women cyclist Nicole Fester won the 2023 Nedbank Rock and Rut XC3 Mountain Bike men and woman’s competitions at the IJG Trails in Farm Windhoek on Sunday.Lowe beat a strong field of competitors in 01:02:40 seconds ahead of Daniel Hahn, who clocked 01:05:52 in second place, while Adrian Key was third in 01:08:02 seconds.
In the elite men’s competition, Xavier Papo took the honours in 01:13:30 followed by Simon Kaita who had multiple mechanical problems and a puncture during the race, in a time of 01:14:45 in second and FC Smith in third in 01:17:00.
In the sub-veteran men, Petrus Human took first position followed by Ananias Tamati and Micheal Falk in second and third spots respectively.
The veteran men's race was won by Vernon Maresch, ahead of Philip Steyn in second and Louis Prins in third.
Hans du Toit won the master men event ahead of Nick du Plessis and Ian Grassow.
In the elite women's competition, Fester came home first in a time of 01:07:03 ahead of Madison Mahn who clocked 01:12:26. The third place was taken by Walvis Bay-based Luanne van der Schyff in 01:15:49.
The sub-vet women’s competition was won by Hester Prins ahead of Benita Windsch. The women’s veteran category was won by Irene Steyn ahead of Marion Schonecke.
‘Like a marathon’
Speaking after the race, Lowe said that “it was not a typical cross-country course, not with many technical obstacles. It had only one difficult climb. It was kind of a marathon, but I enjoyed it.”
Lowe endured a front wheel puncture during the fourth lap but was able to get his bike around the track to the service station and change for a new one. It did not deter him from pushing hard in the last two laps to claim victory for the second consecutive year.
“The weather was good for cycling with a bit of wind which luckily was on the back most of the time. I did not notice it at the technical descent,” he added.
On her part, Fester said the race was fun as the weather played along. “It was a good track, something different; difficult but a load of fun. I am looking to the next race on 8 July at the same venue. The competition is always great amongst the ladies,” Fester said.
This year’s event took place at a new racecourse which saw cyclists struggle to adjust to the terrain, and in turn, made the race interesting for the cyclists and spectators alike.
Nedbank Namibia Communication and PR Manager, Selma Kaulinge, congratulated the cyclists and organisers on an impeccable job done.
“Having this new racetrack was an exciting experience for the cyclists. Different racetracks, in the long run, will assist cyclists as they will be faced with uneven and unfamiliar terrains when they cycle on international stages. It’s impressive to see the lengths our organisers have gone to in order to prepare our novice and elite cyclists for the races they will encounter when they represent Namibia internationally.
“As Nedbank Namibia, we are proud to be affiliated with the development of the sport of cycling in Namibia, which includes supporting this world-class mountain bike series,” she said.
The final race of the Nedbank XC Race Series takes place on Saturday, 8 July.