Steenkamp, Doman win Omaruru Spar Cycle Race

OMARURU, 22 APR – Fanie Steenkamp and Michelle Doman won the 106 kilometre (km) Omaruru Spar Cycle Race here on Saturday.
Steenkamp came home in a time of 2 hours, 35 minutes and 07 seconds, closely followed by Gerhard Mans with a time of 2:35:20.
Defending champion Ingram Cuff was third to cross the finish line in a time of 2:35:21.
The race also saw cycling sensation Drikus Coetzee, who was a favourite to win the race, finish sixth overall after his chain came off with less than a kilometre left of the race.
Coetzee, who recently participated in the Commonwealth Games in Australia, said he was using the race to test his legs following the long flights back to Namibia.
After the race he immediately rushed to Hosea Kutako International Airport to fly to South Africa, where he participated in the 2018 Tour De Limpopo Sunday morning.
In the women’s competition, Doman crossed the finish line after 2:38:28 to beat Jeann Heunis and Anneke Steenkamp by 12 minutes and 24 seconds for joint second position.
Steenkamp, who is 43 years old, said it was a tough race for him as he faced strong competition.
“It is nice to win a race at this age. I urge the youngsters to start racing. I entered with the aim of winning the veterans section but when I noticed during the race that I can compete for the top prize, I stuck in there,” said the Kia Team racer.
He said the weather conditions were ideal for racing as there were no head winds.
Doman, who rides for Food Lovers Market, said she enjoyed the race and is pleased with her achievement.
“I have competed in two races this season and I am looking forward to the next six or so races that are coming up with the hope of achieving the same results as today,” she said.
Ingrid Scholtz won the overall 60km race in the women’s section in a time of 1:44:00, while Konrad Marais won the men’s race with a time of 1:38:23.
NAMPA