Namibian cyclist Drikus Coetzee. Photo Namibia Cycling Federation
Namibian cyclist Drikus Coetzee. Photo Namibia Cycling Federation

Coetzee, Looser win first WPP race

Limba Mupetami
Yesterday, Namibian cyclists Drikus Coetzee and Vera Looser started off the cycling season by winning part one of the Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power six-race series in Dordabis.

The exciting race attracted close to 180 cyclists, with Kevin Lowe and Jean-Paul Burger taking second and third places, respectively, in the men’s race.

Coetzee remains in great form. Just last month, he won the Nedbank Desert Dash.

Part one saw a good turnout in favourable weather conditions, with a slight headwind going out and a tailwind after the turning point.

Great start

The men’s race saw an early breakaway of about six riders, which reduced as the race progressed.

"With about 45 km to go, I was riding solo in front of the race and rode at a solid pace till the finish. It feels good to have won the first race of the new season, and I'm looking forward to the National Championships next weekend," Coetzee said.

"I have no specific goals for this season and will take things as they come. Perhaps one or two more ultra-endurance events, but we'll see how the year goes."

In the women’s race, Mellisa Hinz was behind Looser.

The third-place winner's name wasn’t available before going to print.

Jam-packed schedule

The series is the first of six cycling events Nedbank Namibia will be hosting in the first two months of 2023.

The second race will continue on Sunday, 5 February at Dobra; the third race will be on Sunday, 2 April at Matchless; the fourth one will follow on Sunday, 13 August at Carin Park; the fifth one will be on Sunday, 20 August at Teufelsschlucht and finally, the sixth will take place on Sunday, 10 September at Okahandja.

The Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power Series is open to all local cyclists.

Those who wish to take part in the race series are required to join the Windhoek Pedal Power Cycling Club.

Annual membership fees are N$525 for adults, N$ 315 for juniors, and N$1 050 for families.

There is also an option for cyclists who do not wish to join the club but would like to take part in the races exclusively.

Other races to still look forward to are the Namibian National Time Trials on Friday and the Nedbank National Road Cycling Championships on Sunday.

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