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Coetzee, Greef savour Döbra Loops win

Drikus Coetzee returned to his winning ways and Anri Greef topped the podium for the first time at the Nedbank Windhoek Power Pedal (WPP) race series 3 at Döbra Loops in Windhoek over the weekend.

They delivered solid performances to claim victory in the elite men’s and women’s races, respectively.

Coetzee clocked 2:19:55 to win the men’s category, with Roger Suren in second place (2:21:35) and Marco Thiel coming third (2:21:35).

In the women’s race, Greef crossed the line first in 1:52:50, followed by Michelle Doman (1:56:17) who edged Rosemarie Thiel via a split second in third place.

The result leaves Team MBM Men and Hollard Elite as joint log leaders with 63 points, followed by Cymot Mens Racing Team in third with 60 points.

Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, Hollard Ladies led the log with 40 points, followed by the Food Lovers Market Ladies Team with 31 points in second place, and the third-placed Cymot Ladies Racing Team with 26 points.

A relieved Coetzee was delighted with his race on the day, having suffered a tyre puncture during the WPP 2 race at the Copper Kettle which derailed his ambition.

“The guys started easy, and on the second lap, the attacks began with a few guys breaking out. I took it easy at the back, but my teammates made sure I was in the race every time an attack happened. When the moment came in the third lap, I took over the lead,” Coetzee said when recounting the race.

He is expected to leave for the Atlas Mountain (mountain bike) Race, which takes place will take place from 7 to 15 February in Morocco.

The gruelling international race covers over 1 300 kilometres, with 29 000 meters of climbing.

“This race is my main challenge of the year, and if I can pull that off, then my goal for the year would have been met. Later in September, I will go to Spain for Badlands Ultra Endurance – for another 850 kilometers,” said Coetzee.

Greef also enjoyed the race, and said she was indebted to her teammates who worked together to help her achieve victory.

“Team tactics worked well to keep the other teams at bay and allow me to ride to victory. I managed to get a break on the second lap, and the team helped me to keep it. It was quite a strong field, so my team worked well together and kept the other teams at bay,” Greef said.

Her focus now turns to the national championship at the end of February. She is also looking forward to a few races in South Africa and the Union Cycliste Internationale-sanctioned races during the year.

WPP Road Cycling Club representative and race organiser Stefanus Feris paid tribute to the cyclists for delivering a competitive race.

“We are pleased with the outcome of the race today. Everything went according to plan. We will continue to deliver competitive races with the support of our sponsors, Nedbank Namibia,” he said.

Meanwhile, WPP series headline sponsors Nedbank Namibia’s communication and public relations manager, Selma Kaulinge, praised the organisers for delivering an impactful initiative.

“On behalf of Nedbank Namibia, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to WPP on successfully hosting their third cycling event of the year,” Kaulinge said.

“This achievement is a testament to your dedication and passion for the sport, and we are proud to be associated with WPP.”

Kaulinge added that as money experts who do good, Nedbank Namibia remains committed to supporting WPP events and initiatives that promote the growth of cycling and foster community spirit.

The next Nedbank WPP race will be in April at the Matchless Mine track.

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