Road Cycling Series to kick of this weekend

WINDHOEK, SEPT. 13 – The Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power (WPP) Series 5 will take place on Sunday, 16 September 2018 at the Tony Rust race track on the outskirts of Windhoek. This weekend’s race will see the average speed and intensity during the race being appreciably higher as cyclists complete laps in designated times.
The race will see veteran and amateur cyclists hold the line on the road, ride safely within a large group on a short circuit and practice some technical skills to corner smoothly while accelerating.
Road racing is a unique form of cycling, and the WPP racing series presents cyclists with a lucrative opportunity to develop their technical skills. According to Pierre du Plooy, from Windhoek Pedal Power, “The more you race, the more you improve.”
Namibia’s premier cycling partner, Nedbank Namibia, is pleased to be part of the series. “The excitement of the road series is mounting and we see the positive response in the high number of participants coming out to cycle on the Sunday mornings. It goes beyond commitment and consistency to purpose, and speaks to the passion Namibians have for cycling,” says Gernot de Klerk, Head of Nedbank Namibia Marketing and Communications.
More than 100 cyclists are expected to participate in this weekend’s race, ranging from the age of 7 to 72. The series is open to everyone, and Windhoek Pedal Power is extending an open invitation to the public to participate. “If you have a bicycle and you love cycling, this is a fantastic opportunity to join us at Tony Rust on Sunday,” says du Plooy.
The format of the race is lap racing, which requires cyclists to complete as many laps as they can in a certain time frame, with different age groups having different time limits. The challenge is to generate sustained power for the duration of the race. The Tony Rust venue is a perfect venue for this racing format, not only for the cyclists but for supporters. “The venue is spectator friendly and provides ample space for the race,” explains du Plooy.
Nedbank Namibia supports Windhoek Pedal Power’s vision of creating more opportunities for cyclists to participate in races such as the WPP Series. Windhoek Pedal Power have many senior cyclists who mentor and guide other cyclists, “The experienced cyclists understand the dynamics of road racing and pass on their knowledge and expertise to other cyclists,” adds du Plooy.
In preparation for the WPP 5 Series, Pierre du Plooy’s offers a tip to cyclists. “You have to be mentally prepared to race, but the most important aspect is the enjoyment of the race,” he emphasises.
Nedbank Namibia is cognisant of the growing popularity for cycling in Namibia among the young and old and encourages those who have not dabbled in the cycling world to take advantage of the opportunity to do so this Sunday, 16 September. “Even if you are not a cyclist, come out to support the races. Meet the men, women and children who enjoy the sport and see for yourself why they do what they do,” says de Klerk.
For the Windhoek Pedal Power team, there is a unanimous call to the Namibian public for action around this sporting event. “Cycling is exciting, even as a spectator. There is a profound sense of community at these events. Come out and join our community,” concludes du Plooy.
For more information about the WPP Series 5, please visit Windhoek Pedal Power on Facebook. Registration starts at 07h00 on Sunday and non-Windhoek Pedal Power members will be required to pay a day fee of N$50.00. Participants can also register online: wpp.webserv.com.na. – NDN Staffer