Omaruru challenges Gravel & Dirt riders

The Gravel & Dirt series, powered by Hollard Namibia, completed its third-to-last leg at Otjohotozu Lodge near Omaruru over the weekend.
The podium finishes brought no surprises as cycling favourites Gerhard Mans, Ingram Cuff and Drikus Coetzee took the first three overall places in the men's category. Mans and Cuff fought hard for first place with Mans ending a mere three seconds before Cuff in a time of 2.50:22, who followed with a time of 2.50:25.
Coetzee followed leisurely about 10 minutes later with a time of 3.00:21.
"I was riding for leisure, so I was enjoying the views," a relaxed Coetzee said mere minutes after crossing the finish line, while Mans and Cuff stood to the side having just regained their strength.
In the women's category, Jean Heunis gained almost a quarter of an hour over her opponents, taking a easy win with a time of 3.20:00. Second-place finisher Candace Wiggle and third place Melissa Hinz's podium finishes were not so simple, with a fraction of a second determining their placements. Both women are officially annotated a time of 3.34:07.

Breaking in Omaruru trail
For many cyclists, the attraction of the Omaruru leg of the Gravel & Dirt series was the brand-new track.
Competition organiser Volker Engling was ecstatic to welcome this track to the series, explaining that it took some convincing on his part. "I cycled here and I have wanted to use this area as a cycling track for years. I asked the owners and they said no and finally after years, they allowed it so I am very excited," he said.
For the cyclists, this route brought an ideal opportunity. Although many were blown away by the breathtaking scenery of the Erongo mountains, the conditions on the route were a highlight to many.
"There's a bit of everything on this route. There was some hard patches and sand and also thick sand. I liked that we did two laps. On the first lap, you get to know the route for the first time and on the second lap, you just get to enjoy it," Mans said.