Seibeb demolishes field to confirm his credentials
WINDHOEK – There seems to be no stopping Namibia’s internationally acclaimed cycling wunderkind Costa Seibeb.
The 22-year-old cyclist left a strong field indulging some of the country’s leading cyclists lurking behind to cross the finishing line in an astonishing time of 2 hours 28 minutes and zero six seconds (2h 28’ 06’’) to clinch 1st spot in the gruelling 106-kilometer race of the 29th edition of the annual Nedbank Cycle Challenge that wound its way through the surrounding areas of Windhoek yesterday.
Seibeb got out of the blocks in a very competitive field of 188 cyclists – leaving the much improved and highly synched up cyclist to time his race to near faultless perfection.
The fast improving Seibeb calculated his race by staying put with the leading bunch before he broke free to stamp his authority and wrestle momentum at the halfway mark as the boys were separated from the men.
Seibeb showed no signs of fatigue after the race and said he enjoyed every minute of it, adding that he was looking forward to the upcoming national road race on February 28.
“It was a bit tough but nevertheless a good race in excellent cool weather conditions but I must applaud my team mates and all other fellow competitors for setting the pace while maintaining good discipline during the race.”
Loto Petrus and Pascal Markgraaff found themselves entangled in a photo finish to claim 2nd and 3rd place respectively with both cyclists clocking an identical time of 2 hours 28 minutes and 3-2 seconds.
It was second time lucky for veteran cyclist Irene Steyn, who cleared the field in the women’s 106-kilometer category to resurface first over the finishing line way ahead of her competitors.
The 36-year old Steyn finished runner-up last year.
The popular cycle challenge attracted a total of 1 080 cyclists competing in the 106 (188), 75 (319), 35 (341) and 20 (231)-kilometer categories. More news and photos will be published in tomorrow’s sports pages – watch this space!
By Carlos Kambaekwa and Otniel Hembapu