By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, Aug. 22 — The 5th round of the 2023 Nedbank Namibia Windhoek Pedal Power Race Series at Teufelsschlucht in Windhoek witnessed the resounding dominance of Cymot teams on Sunday.
The Cymot Orange female team, comprising Monique du Plessis, Marisa Mouton, Nicola Fester, Jean-Marie Mostert, and Binnet Klein, secured the first position. They outperformed their Cymot Yellow counterparts, consisting of Olivia Shililifa, Madison Mann, and Susan Pieters.
Claiming the third spot were the Food Lovers Market Ladies, represented by Hester Prins, Bertha Theron, and Robyn-Lee Swartz.
In the men’s teams category, the Cymot Racing Team, featuring Christiaan van Rensburg, Kevin Lowe, Thenus van der Westhuizen, Hardus Nel, Gino Chiappini, and Kai Prizen, clinched the top spot. Following closely, the Cymot B Racing Team, led by Ethan L’Estrange, Oskar Roeber, Daniel Han, Marco Augustyn, and Fanie Steenkamp, secured the second position.
The third place was earned by Food Lovers Market, composed of Petrus Human, Vernon Maresch, George Thiele, Marc Epler, and Conrad Marais.
In the individual women’s time trials, Handrie Gous secured the lead with a time of 02 hours 41 minutes and 40 seconds. Michaela Ham followed closely with a time of 02 hours 43 minutes 30 seconds, taking the second place, while Marsha Nel clinched the third place with a time of 02 hours 44 minutes.
In the men’s open individual time trial, Drikus Coetzee claimed victory with a time of 01 hours 56 minutes 58 seconds. Men Christo Swartz closely trailed with a time of 01 hours 56 minutes 59 seconds, securing the second position. Braam Vermeulen secured third place with a time of 01 hours 57 minutes 05 seconds.
As the final race approaches, the Simons Storms currently lead the men’s team rankings with 114 points, trailed by Cymot A with 102 points. NCCS/CYMOT Pro Team holds third place with 83 points. Food Lover’s Market Men’s Team is positioned fourth with 78 points, while CYMOT Racing Team Men B holds fifth place with an equal number of points. Among the women’s rankings, Simonis Storm Ladies powered by Hollard lead with 52 points, followed by MBM Ladies with 46 points, and MSL Ladies securing third place with the same points.
Notably, the Teufelsschlucht races hosted an Angolan team, Jair Transporte, as guest participants. This Angolan team included three national champions among its five members. National Champion Igor Silva expressed his appreciation for the experience of participating in Namibian racing competitions over the span of a week. Silva commented, “The race was challenging, with high standards. Despite the challenges I faced in the two races I participated in, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”
Selma Kaulinge, Nedbank Namibia Communication and Public Relations Manager expressed enthusiasm at the turnout of cyclists for the races on Sunday. Kaulinge acknowledged the supporting teams that contributed to the event’s success within the Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power Race Series. Kaulinge emphasized Nedbank Namibia’s recognition of the Namibian cycling community’s pivotal role in fostering the sport’s growth. She also looked ahead to the final event, where the 2023 road race champions would be crowned, stating, “We eagerly anticipate the culmination of the series as we celebrate our 2023 road race champions.” – Namibia Daily News
