Meeks welcomes riders

Meeks welcomes ridersAfrican MTB championships begin It will be dust and fast riding as cyclists from across Africa prepare for mountain-bike racing at the IJG Trails in Kleine Kuppe this weekend. Nedbank retail and business banking executive Richard Meeks yesterday welcomed riders from across Africa who will be competing at the Nedbank African MTB championships.

The race starts today with riders from 12 African countries challenging each other for top prizes and a place at the 2020 Olympics.

Registration and accreditation started on Wednesday and the track inspection was done yesterday. Speaking at the official opening, Meeks said: “I wish to officially welcome the cycling delegations from all over Africa to our country.

“We have great appreciation for the trust of the Namibia Cycling Federation and the Confederation of African Cycling in allowing Nedbank Namibia the privilege of bringing the very best MTB cyclists to our shores.

“We are immensely proud that Nedbank Namibia is able to back our cyclists at this championship.”

Nedbank Namibia is sponsoring the event to the tune of N$400 000.

Some of Namibia's favourites in the competition are Dieter Koen and Hugo Hahn (junior men), Xavier Papo (elite men), Cindy Rowland (junior women), Michelle Vorster (elite women) and Alex Miller (elite men).

“I am ready to race and welcome the competition that is on display this weekend. I have trained hard and I am confident in my ability to have a good race,” Alex Miller said.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA