Cuff, Liebenberg claim victory

Cuff, Liebenberg claim victory West Coast MTB and Run a success The second leg of the Hollard Gravel and Dirt MTB Marathon series concluded on Saturday at Moonlight Resort, about 15 km outside of Swakopmund. Adolf Kaure







SWAKOPMUND

Dubbed the West Coast MTB and Run, the second Hollard Gravel and Dirt MTB Marathon series leg included a 75 km mountain bike race main event as well as a 35 km cycling race for the fifth successive year.

Ingram Cuff smashed the men’s record, winning the 75 km race in a time of 2:29:43. Courtney Liebenberg won the women’s race in an impressive time of 3:00:50.

According to organiser Silvio Suardi, the level of cycling at the event was impressive.

“The development of cycling in Namibia is tremendous. You can just have a look at all the youngsters who are coming through.

“The route was marked very well and it was a fast race, if you take in consideration the record that was broken today,” he said.

For the first time, there was also a trail run (14 km and 5 km) which took place. Erick Goeieman (55:56) won the men’s 14 km race, while Nicoleen Karsten (1:09:40) was the first woman over the line.

“We had a lot of good feedback on the trail run as well. Overall, it was a well organised race,” Suardi said.

Covid-19 protocols

Although there were more than 400 participants who took part in the various races, Covid-19 protocols were adhered to throughout the event.

“There were staggered starts for all the races, so that the participants were not more than 100 in a bunch,” the organiser said.

It was also a non-spectator event, and there was no prize-giving ceremony to avoid a gathering of many people.

“This year, we did not do the 20 km mountain bike race or the kiddies ride, which is usually a big highlight for parents. We all did this to avoid spectators. We also asked the cyclists not to bring their families along.”

All the winners will receive their prize money at a later stage. The third out of eight legs of the Hollard Gravel and Dirt MTB marathon series will take place after a fortnight in Windhoek.

The detailed results of the two main events for men and women are as follows:

Men’s 75 km MTB

Ingram Cuff 2:29:43

Jeane-Paul Burger 2:29:44

Bergran Jensen 2:29:45

Women’s 75 km MTB

Courtney Liebenberg 3:00:50

Nina Holtrup 3:02:31

Jeane Heunis 3:05:17

Men’s 14 km race

Erick Goeieman 55:56

Pierre van Rensburg 56:11

Petrus Shigwedha 59:09

Women’s 14 km race

Nicoleen Karsten 1:09:40

Lydia Thiel 1:13:10

Inka Krafft 1:14:36