Hoffmann eclipses Heymans in cycling finale

NAMIBIA’S cycling sensation Erik Hoffmann signalled his intention to dominate the local cycling scene this year, as he vigorously and rather narrowly won the annual Commercial Bank Cycling Tour in the capital on Sunday.

The young cyclist outsprinted some senior riders at the event, even beating former champion Manie Heymans into third place, clocking one hour and 36 minutes in the 65 kilometre race as the first man. Another promising cyclist, Arno Viljoen, fought his way to finish second spot, just a few milliseconds behind the winner.Viljoen’s time was one hour, 36 minutes and 44,69 seconds, while Heymans closely followed in one hour, 36 minutes and 47,77 seconds.The race was a tight affair from the onset with the three riders trying to keep within each others sight at every climb and descent through the race.The three riders were ahead of the main bunch to eventually produce a pulsating finish to the race which took place under slight windy conditions.Hoffmann, who also competed for Namibia at various international races including the Commonwealth Games and the All Africa Games, is the current champion of The Namibian Model Pick and Pay Cycle Classic.He gained a lot of experience by racing mostly in Germany and in several other European countries.In the women’s category, 2003 champion of The Namibian Model Pick and Pay race Jowina van Staden, proved a handful for her competitors as she raced past the finish line in one hour, 45 minutes and 10,07 seconds.Van Staden was also the defending champion before Sundays race.Her sister, Heletje van Staden, who was the previous winner of the 2002 edition of the Cycle Classic, managed to grab third spot, while Conny-Ridding Kleynhans held on to second spot.Over the 30 kilometre stretch, Wynandt Gouws decided to make this distance his own, as he was over the line in only 42 minutes and 48,26 seconds.He was followed by Heinz Bresele, while Francois Rocher peddled in to take third position.Vera Adrian was the first woman in the 30km category, with Mandy Huysamen following in second, while Hike Burger held on to third place.Radio Wave won the Open Team competition over 65km and Cycletec/Prowealth and Prowealth A, ended as first and second runners up.In the 65km category, Nakara was the top Business Team, with the Verdoes family, known for not missing any local cycling race, taking their stake in the Family event.The best school team were the ‘Die Ottifanten’ over 30km, with the the ‘Action’ team proving their worth as the Best Open team in the same category.A total of 1 303 participants finished the race, while a record number of 1 503 entries were received.Another promising cyclist, Arno Viljoen, fought his way to finish second spot, just a few milliseconds behind the winner. Viljoen’s time was one hour, 36 minutes and 44,69 seconds, while Heymans closely followed in one hour, 36 minutes and 47,77 seconds. The race was a tight affair from the onset with the three riders trying to keep within each others sight at every climb and descent through the race. The three riders were ahead of the main bunch to eventually produce a pulsating finish to the race which took place under slight windy conditions. Hoffmann, who also competed for Namibia at various international races including the Commonwealth Games and the All Africa Games, is the current champion of The Namibian Model Pick and Pay Cycle Classic. He gained a lot of experience by racing mostly in Germany and in several other European countries. In the women’s category, 2003 champion of The Namibian Model Pick and Pay race Jowina van Staden, proved a handful for her competitors as she raced past the finish line in one hour, 45 minutes and 10,07 seconds. Van Staden was also the defending champion before Sundays race. Her sister, Heletje van Staden, who was the previous winner of the 2002 edition of the Cycle Classic, managed to grab third spot, while Conny-Ridding Kleynhans held on to second spot. Over the 30 kilometre stretch, Wynandt Gouws decided to make this distance his own, as he was over the line in only 42 minutes and 48,26 seconds. He was followed by Heinz Bresele, while Francois Rocher peddled in to take third position. Vera Adrian was the first woman in the 30km category, with Mandy Huysamen following in second, while Hike Burger held on to third place. Radio Wave won the Open Team competition over 65km and Cycletec/Prowealth and Prowealth A, ended as first and second runners up. In the 65km category, Nakara was the top Business Team, with the Verdoes family, known for not missing any local cycling race, taking their stake in the Family event. The best school team were the ‘Die Ottifanten’ over 30km, with the the ‘Action’ team proving their worth as the Best Open team in the same category. A total of 1 303 participants finished the race, while a record number of 1 503 entries were received.