Namibian rider Alex Miller and South Africa’s Hayley Preen were crowned the African Gravel champions in the men and women’s elite categories, respectively, after impressive performances in the Khomas100 African Gravel Championships on Saturday.
The Khomas100 cycling challenge, which attracted top riders from across the continent and offered International Cycling Union (UCI) points, saw elite competitors tackle a shortened 140-kilometre route from Windhoek to the Gross Barmen Resort outside Okahandja.
The championship, which also serves as a qualifier for the UCI Gravel World Championships, is recognised by the UCI as an African Gravel Championship and sanctioned by the Confederation of African Cycling under the Namibian Cycling Federation.
The fast-paced race features a winding course across open, flat plains and demanding climbs, with riders facing approximately 2 300 metres of elevation gain that tested their endurance and climbing ability.
Miller successfully defended his African title for the third consecutive year after edging South African rider Marco Joubert in a dramatic sprint finish.
The two broke away from the peloton early in the race and remained locked in a battle for the title before Miller launched a decisive attack in the final sprint to the line.
He managed to hold on to the lead, crossing the finish line in four hours, 15 minutes and 26 seconds (4:15:26), with Joubert finishing just one second behind in second place.
Jordan Ssekanwagi of Uganda completed the men’s podium, finishing nearly five minutes behind in 4:20:18.
In the women’s elite category, Preen dominated after breaking away from the peloton just 15 minutes into the race.
The South African went on to claim her second successive African gravel championship title in a time of 4:59:31.
Namibia’s Vera Looser, the 2024 Khomas100 winner, secured second place and the Namibian National Gravel Championship title, while defending Namibian champion Anri Greeff finished just behind her in a closely contested sprint finish.
In the end, the pair were separated by just one second, with Looser coming second in 5:12:38, and Greeff third in 5:12:39.
Speaking to Nampa after the race, Miller said he was delighted to retain his African title and earn the opportunity to wear the African champion’s jersey in international competition.
“It’s really important to wear the African jersey while competing in Europe. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I gave it my all. Marco (Joubert) kept me busy throughout the race, but I believed in my sprint strength. I attacked at the right time and pushed hard until the finish,” Miller said.
Preen said she enjoyed the solo effort despite challenging conditions along the route.
“I am happy to retain the title. It was not an easy ride, as there was a headwind at some point, but I focused on riding my own race after breaking away early,” she said.
