OMARURU – Namibia’s leading cyclists, Martin Freyer and Michael Pretorius from the Namibian Kia cycling team, underlined their status among the country’s best riders.
The pair clinched 1st and 2nd places respectively in the elite men’s category at the Omaruru Spar road race, last weekend.
The event was decided in a mass sprint with a mere 10 seconds separating the first two over the finishing line and 13th placed riders.
More than 200 riders from around the country made their way to Omaruru to compete in 14 different categories.
In the elite men’s category, Freyer and Pretorius formed part of the group that set the pace from the start.
As the race wore on, a fairly large group of cyclists separated from the main field with the two Windhoek-based Kia riders right up there in the mix of things.
With about 50 kilometers left, the field decreased further, only leaving 13 cyclists battling for the win.
Nearing the finish line after an exhausting and gruesome 106 kilometres, the entire group massed their last energy to try and decide the race in their favour.
Eventually, it was Freyer, who all the way had played his cards close to his chest crossing the finishing line first in an astonishing time of 10:38:22, 49 hours while his team mate Pretorius, had to settle for 2nd after clocking in at 10:38:22, 52 hours.
Third place went to Murange Tjipe (10:38:22, 62).
“I took a look at the track the day before the event and I saw that a late sprint would be more favourable than an early one.
“So, when most of the other guys started their sprint, I held back for a short while.
“Luckily, my tactic worked. I’m very pleased with the result,” Freyer said.
By Staff Reporter