Namibia’s top cyclist Drikus Coetzee claimed victory at the 2025 Nedbank Cycle Challenge, crossing the finish line in an impressive 2:22:39 seconds. 

He described the conditions as ideal for racing, crediting teamwork and strategic timing for his win.

“It was a perfect day – great weather, not too much wind. I had my teammate Theuns (Van der Westhuizen) with me. We worked well together,” Coetzee said after the race. 

“Just before the two-kilometre mark, there was a bit of a lull, almost like a tunnel. That’s when I made my move. I pushed hard, coming down toward the turnaround point at Rock Water North,” he narrated.

Coetzee added that by pushing the pace, the leading duo opened a significant gap. 

“We had a gap of one minute and fifty seconds at the bottom. At the turnaround, we managed to stretch it to four minutes. From there, I just kept going,” he said.

He praised his teammate, Van der Westhuizen, who finished second, also clocking 2:22:39 seconds.

Coetzee said he hopes more podiums await him in the future. 

Jacques Hanekom completed the men’s elite podium, taking third in 2:28:32 seconds. In the women’s elite category, national road race and time-trial champion Anri Greeff powered through to win in 2:47:24. 

She said it was a challenging race due to the heat and flat terrain.

“It was tough and hot. There was a long flat stretch, which isn’t my strength,” said Greeff. 

“The climbing at the beginning was fun, but the flats were tough. I broke away at Grootbaan and held about a minute’s lead,” she added.

Greeff is now setting her sights on the upcoming Tour de Windhoek.

South African junior women’s road race title holder Errin Mackridge and Namibian two time-trial champion Melissa Hinz rounded off the podium, finishing second and third, respectively, in the women’s race. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na