Miller, Du Plessis retain national jerseys

Alex Miller and Monique du Plessis retained their elite men’s and women’s national jerseys following their dominant racing at the 2024 Nedbank Namibia national cross-country mountain biking championships, held at IJG Trails in Kleine Kuppe on Saturday.

The event, organised by the Namibian Cycling Federation (NCF) in collaboration with Nedbank Namibia and various other sponsors, was attended by deputy minister of sport, youth and national service, Dr. Emma Kantema-Gaomas, who officiated at the prize-giving ceremony.

The on-form Miller clocked one hour 30 minutes 59 seconds over the seven laps, more than eight minutes ahead of fellow Olympian Tristan de Lange (1:39:12). Third place was taken by Danzel de Koe (1:42:19).

After the race, Miller said: “It’s great to be able to defend this national title and wear the flag at races throughout the year. It was a windy day, but I knew my form was good; I just had to ride at my own pace and play it safe. I did get a bit of a puncture, but I fixed it quickly.”

Miller (23), who rides professionally for Team Toyota Specialized, will be heading to Spain before competing at the African Championship in Morocco – a title he previously won on home soil.



WOMEN’S RACE

In the elite women’s race, Du Plessis clocked 1:22:19, well ahead of second-placed Jaen-Marie Mostert (1:32:48) and Mimi Hough, who was third.

“It was hard from the start, and the wind didn’t make it easy. I tried to be safe and enjoy the ride. I went all out from the start, and I am happy to win this race having been down with an illness the whole of last week and struggling with an injury at the beginning of the season. This title means a lot to me,” the 21-year-old Du Plessis said.

She said she is looking forward to the rest of the season, which will see her joining the UCI African Development Team, which will help her prepare for the world championships.



UCI CATEGORIES

Kevin Lowe became U23 men’s title holder for the first time in a tough seven-lap race which he won by two minutes against Hugo Hahn, Theuns van der Westhuizen (third), Adrian Key and Daniel Hahn.

In the U23 women’s race, Ashanti Auchas was the only finisher of the three laps, after Olivia Shililifa did not start.

Delsia van Vuuren took first place in the junior women’s race, ahead of Kylie Dickerson (second) and Angela Kamati.

In the junior men, Roger Surén continued his fine form, winning the race ahead of Justus Beulker (second) and Prince Sibomana.

NCF president Axel Theissen was happy with the day’s proceedings, saying they had a record number of entrants.

“This year also marked the second year of the e-bikes and short-course codes also included as national titles, which are slowly gaining interest.

“We also saw four former Olympic representatives on the course – Mannie Heymans, Alex Miller, Marc Bassingthwaighte and Tristan de Lange. We saw top-class racing in many categories,” he said.

Two cyclists were involved in minor accidents, with their conditions reported to be stable and satisfactory.

Nedbank Namibia’s communications and public relations manager, Selma Kaulinge congratulated the winners and reemphasized the bank’s commitment to the sport of cycling.