Looser and compatriots outstanding in Johburg

Led by Vera Looser's narrow second-place finish in the elite women's race, the small contingent of Namibian riders performed admirably at Sunday morning's Virgin Active Ride Johburg race over 97 kilometres through the streets of Johannesburg.

Looser recorded the same finishing time (2 hours 46 minutes 44 seconds) as the rest of the top three over the finish-line. South Africa’s S’Annara Grové was the winner and Haley Preen was third, with Carla Oberholzer (RSA) one second behind in fourth place.

Anri Greeff (2:49:40) was the next Namibian in 17th position, while Rosemarie Thiel delivered a great performance by winning the junior girls' race (under 18) in 2:53:09 and finishing 23rd in the overall women’s race.

Monique du Plessis (2:57:32) was third among the under 23 women and 28th overall.

The elite men's race also had a tight finish, with Alex Miller (fifth) the first non-South African. The winner Ryan Gibbons (2:10:30) and second placed Reinardt Janse van Rensburg recorded the same finishing time. One second later, Jaedon Terlouw, Emile van Niekerk and Miller also crossed the finish line together.

South African-born Windhoeker Marc Pritzen – who won last year's Ride Johburg elite men's race in a sprint – had to settle for 15th position (2:10:33) this time.

Other Namibian finishers yesterday were Theuns van der Westhuizen (under 23, 38th overall, 2:15:08), with Alwyn Steenkamp one second and two positions later. Jaques Hanekom (under 23) finished 46th in 2:17:17.