Big names at Classic

THE 2007 edition of The Namibian Model Pick and Pay Cycle Classic is set to attract big names in the sport.

The race is scheduled for October 14 in Windhoek and the organisers have set themselves the target of attracting at least 1 500 cyclists. Although it is not confirmed which of the biggest names on the domestic front will be making their appearance at this hugely popular event, one of the stars will be former champion Heletje van Staden.Van Staden, who has proved to be one of the most exciting young cyclists in southern Africa in the past few years, won the race in 2003 and will be up for another title among the many contenders this time.Van Staden is also a prolific mountain-biker and her presence will spice up the competition among the women in the 100-kilometre category.Another prominent Namibian cyclist, Mannie ‘Mr Africa’ Heymans, is also another possible competitor in the race, while other national team cyclists such as Erik Hoffmann and Dan Craven are expected to compete, depending on their international commitments.Young cyclists Jan Hendrik Verdoes, Lotto Petrus and others are also expected to participate in the event, which serves as the prelude to the popular Cape Argus Cycle Tour in South Africa.The closing date for entries is October 6.Although it is not confirmed which of the biggest names on the domestic front will be making their appearance at this hugely popular event, one of the stars will be former champion Heletje van Staden.Van Staden, who has proved to be one of the most exciting young cyclists in southern Africa in the past few years, won the race in 2003 and will be up for another title among the many contenders this time.Van Staden is also a prolific mountain-biker and her presence will spice up the competition among the women in the 100-kilometre category.Another prominent Namibian cyclist, Mannie ‘Mr Africa’ Heymans, is also another possible competitor in the race, while other national team cyclists such as Erik Hoffmann and Dan Craven are expected to compete, depending on their international commitments.Young cyclists Jan Hendrik Verdoes, Lotto Petrus and others are also expected to participate in the event, which serves as the prelude to the popular Cape Argus Cycle Tour in South Africa.The closing date for entries is October 6.