The Hollard men’s and women’s teams dominated the fourth leg of the 2024 Nedbank Windhoek Power Pedal Team (WPP4) Time Trials at Carin Park on Sunday.
The Hollard ladies’ team comprising Maike Bochert, Anneke Steenkamp, Elanor Grassow and Melissa Hinz clocked 51 minutes and six seconds (00:51:06) ahead of the Cymot racing team, which clocked 00:51:39 to claim second spot, and Food Lover's Market team, which took third spot in 00:53:52.
In the men’s competition, Hollard Insurance took first spot with 00:41:07, followed by Cymot Racing Team at 00:42:05 and Food Lover's Men, who crossed the line on 00:45:25.
Seven men’s and five ladies’ teams participated in this year’s time trials, which also featured individual riders.
In the ladies’ races, Benita Windisch clocked 00:36:22, ahead of Belinda van Ryhn, who clocked 00:37:01 in second place, and Louise Breed, who crossed the line on 00:37:48 in third place.
Konrad Marais dominated the men’s competition, winning the race in 00:31:21.66, with Jaques Hanekom closely following him home on 00:31:22.00 in second place, while Hardus Nel managed 00:32:27 for a third-place finish.
Following the weekend’s results, Cymot A men’s racing team leads the table with 83 points, followed by Hollard Insurance in second with 79 points, and Mannie Bike Mecca (MBM) men with 76 points.
In the ladies’ competition, Hollard Ladies top the table with 52 points, followed by Cymot Ladies Racing Team in second with 34 points, and Food Lover's Market ladies with 29 points in third place.
Speaking after the race, Hollard’s Drikus Coetzee said he was pleased with his team’s performance, as they worked well together throughout the race.
“I unfortunately had a flat tyre in the first 500 metres. However, it was excellent teamwork throughout. And the most important thing about the team time trials is that you should stay together by all means; even if a teammate is behind, you should try to help them,” he said.
He added that the wind was not very strong, but it helped the riders on their way back.
“That’s where team dynamics come into play — where you push your teammates, and I think we did well today. That is what makes our team strong every year because we know each other well, our strong and weak points. I think we can be satisfied with our performance today,” he said.
Meanwhile, Food Lover's Markert teammates Jana von Backstrom, Michelle Doman and Mimi Hough expressed similar sentiments, saying teamwork was key.
“I think everybody gave their best and we worked well together. On our way back, we had to keep our wheels as close together as possible, but it was a good experience, and I believe our team performed well. It was a challenge, but teamwork is what makes it work,” they said.
Speaking after the race, WPP organiser Stefanus Feris said everything went well, and the competition among teams was high. “We did not expect a turnout like this. This year, we included the individual time trials to give individual riders a chance to participate. I was impressed by the Cymot men’s team and Hollard ladies’ team performances. The guys are fit. Everything went well, and we prioritised the rider’s safety,” Feris stated.
He added that the WPP individual and team trials should have taken place in February, but were postponed due to the passing of President Hage Geingob.
Nedbank Namibia has been a significant supporter of cycling development in the country, playing a crucial role in nurturing talent and promoting the sport.
Selma Kaulinge, Nedbank Namibia’s communications and public relations manager, emphasised that the bank’s support has been instrumental in the notable quality of cycling in the country.
“Nedbank’s support for events such as the Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power Time Trials further demonstrates our commitment to the development of Namibian cycling,” she said. The next Nedbank Namibia WWP event is scheduled for 8 August at a venue still to be decided.