Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, Sept. 20 — Namibia’s representatives at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Alex Miller and Anri Krugel, claimed victory in the final race of the 2023 Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power Race Series held at Aus Mountains in Windhoek on Sunday.
Miller, riding for MBM Men, emerged triumphant in the elite men’s category after a fierce sprint to the finish line, clocking in at 02:47:43. His rival, Drikus Coetzee, faced a minor setback as his chain unhooked during the sprint, and he crossed the line just a fraction of a second behind, at 02:47:44. Throughout the race, these two cyclists had ridden closely together, creating a substantial 10-minute lead over the pursuing peloton. Clinton Hilfiker secured the third position with a time of 02:57:29.
In the elite women’s competition, Krugel, representing Simonis Storm Ladies powered by Hollard, outpaced her teammate Mellisa Heinz, winning with a time of 02:42:39. Heinz finished closely behind at 02:42:40, and Monique du Plessis claimed the third spot with a time of 02:42:41, the same time as Rita Dreyer.
After the race, Miller expressed his satisfaction with the performance, highlighting the effective teamwork with Coetzee throughout the event. He stated, “When we were racing on the Dan Viljoen Road, we decided to increase the tempo, leaving other riders trailing. This provided valuable training, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am eagerly anticipating other international competitions later this year.”
Coetzee, in preparation for the demanding Munga race, described his experience in the Nedbank WPP Race Series as beneficial. He said, “Today, we had an excellent race, constantly exchanging attacking roles with Alex during the race, which helped us establish a considerable lead over our competitors. Unfortunately, my chain malfunctioned during the sprint, preventing me from racing Alex to the finish line.”
In the team categories, Simonis Storm Ladies secured the top position, followed by the Cymot Ladies Racing Team in second place, with MSL Ladies claiming the third spot. Among the men’s teams, Simonis Storm Men’s Team clinched first place, MBM Men finished second, and Food Lovers Market Men came in third.
Selma Kaulinge, the Communication and Public Relations Manager of Nedbank Namibia expressed her enthusiasm for the series’ success, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to fostering a strong cycling community. She eagerly anticipated the next edition of the Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power Race Series in 2024 and encouraged participants to gear up for the forthcoming Nedbank Desert Dash, the most significant race on the calendar.
