National champion status for seven cyclists
The Nedbank Namibian National Time Trials and Road Race concluded last weekend where Namibian road cyclists in the different disciplines received the honour of bearing the Namibian national cycling jersey.The cyclists – Kevin Lowe, Roger Suren, Delsia Janse van Vuuren, Monique du Plessis, Vera Looser, Alex Miller and Drikus Coetzee – received Namibian national jerseys that will enable them to represent the country in road race events.
Namibia’s top elite cyclists, Alex Miller, Drikus Coetzee and Vera Looser, made headlines this weekend by winning in their respective race categories. In the elite men’s road race, Miller claimed the title in a photo-finish victory over his main rival and 2023 champion, Drikus Coetzee, to claim the 2024 national jersey by split seconds. The new champion clocked three hours and five minutes (03:05:00) ahead of Coetzee, who clocked 03:05:00 but came in second as he was just micro-seconds behind. Third place was taken by Martin Freyer in a time of 03:05:45.
In the ladies’ category of the road race, Looser dominated the race to win by 02:41:17 to retain her title for the second consecutive year, followed by Melissa Hinz, who clocked 02:43:07 in second place, while third-placed Anri Greeff, finished the race in 02:45:38.
ITT
On Friday, Coetzee won the Nedbank Namibian National Individual Time Trials (ITT) in a time of 50:15, ahead of Ingram Cuff, who clocked 55:09. Only two elite men cyclists participated in this race.
In the women’s ITT competition, Looser once again proved she was the best elite women cyclist by winning the race in 42:28, followed by Hinz, who clocked 43:04 in second, and Greef, who crossed the line in 44:35 for third place.
Speaking after the Sunday race, Looser said she was happy with her performance.
“I was strong on the climbs. The weather was cool at the beginning but became warmer as we raced. I am happy to have won today, as this is one of the races that is used to select cyclists for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.”
On his part, Miller said: “It was great cycling; the racecourse had tough climbs like Mamba Mountain, but my strategy of climbing hard paid off.”
Meanwhile, defending champion Coetzee, lamented his lack of power in the sprints, saying he always comes short in that aspect of his cycling. “Sprinting is not my forte; I am an endurance rider, but I am happy that I pushed Alex to the limit. Fishing so close to him makes me happy, as I know I am getting better with my sprints.”
Qualifying events
The Namibian Cycling Federation (NCF) was using the two races as qualifying events for the Olympic and All Africa Games.
At the Nedbank Namibian National Time Trials and Road Race prizegiving ceremony on Sunday, Vice President of the NCF Tauko Shilongo announced the team that will represent the country at the 2024 Africa Games in Ghana in March. They are Kevin Lowe, Martin Freyer, Denzel de Koe, Adrian Key, Monique du Plessis, Olivia Shililifa, Anri Greef and Jean Mari Mostert.
Nedbank Namibia Communications and Public Relations Manager, Selma Kaulinge congratulated the cyclists for their victories and for the privilege of representing Namibia in international competitions.
“Last weekend we witnessed road cycling at its finest. Namibian cyclists, both novice and professionals came out to showcase their skills with hopes of making history in their disciplines. Nedbank Namibia would like to thank every cyclist, spectator and most importantly, the Namibian Cycling Federation, for making this national event a success. We selected our national cycling jersey bearers for 2024, and we are excited to see these seven champions in action.”