Omaruru Cycle race launched

WINDHOEK, 17 APR  – The 18th edition of the Omaruru Spar Cycle Race was launched in Windhoek on Tuesday.
The event will see cyclists participating in the 25 kilometre (km) fun race, the 60km race and the 106km elite race.
A total of N.dollars 45 000 in prize money will be up for grabs in various age groups for men and women.
Berthold Karumendu, the organiser said they expect almost 300 cyclists to participate and that registration is open and free, but will close on Thursday at 09h00.
“We will have cyclists from Windhoek, the coast and the northern regions participating. I cannot give you the names right now, but we will definitely have top names in the sport taking part,” he said.
There will be late registration on Friday and those wishing to register then will have to pay N.dollars 300.
Karumendu said they have the race every year and it attracts top quality cyclists.
“It is mainly for the development of cyclists at grassroots level in Namibia. I therefore call upon other local business people to come on board and support events in Omaruru and surrounding places,” he said.
Elmarie Lewis, a Spar representative said her organisation will continue supporting and being associated with local community events that are for a good cause.
The race is sponsored by Spar Omaruru, which availed N.dollars 45 000, while First National Bank Namibia chipped in with N.dollars 20 000.
Coca-Cola provided drinks and water for the athletes.
In the Open and Junior categories, the winners will receive N.dollars 750 each, with the second-placed cyclists taking home N.dollars 500.
The third-placed finishers will get N.dollars 250 each.
For the Elite, Veterans and Masters riders, the winners are expected to pocket N.dollars 3 000 each, while the runners-up will get N.dollars 2 000 and those in third place will win N.dollars 1 000.
Athletes will cycle along the Omaruru-Kalkfeld road and the event is sanctioned by the Namibia Cycling Federation.
Ingram Cuff is the defending men’s champion, while Michelle Vorster is the defending women’s champion.

NAMPA