Hollard win boosts Coetzee
Victory pushes him forward
The 2022 Desert Dash winner produced another top result with a new record at the Okajo Safari Lode.
One of Namibia’s finest cyclists, Drikus Coetzee, says the Hollard Gravel & Dirt Series has given him a confidence boost going into his upcoming events.The 2022 Desert Dash winner produced another top result with a record at the Okajo Safari Lode.
He set an Okajo race record with a 2:13:09 finish in an intriguing race ahead of two masters of the dirt.
"Well, I would say that this was an incredible race, and I do feel like I have done what I had to do.
"I had a disappointing time in South Africa, but this victory will just boost me up going forward," Coetzee said.
Competitors
Coetzee finished ahead of two top stars, Gerhard Mans Jr and Ingram Cuff.
Mans had aimed to finish first in this race, but the flat surface of Okajo was to the benefit of Coetzee, who came in solo without any final stretch challenge behind him.
Mans Jr was disappointed with the result, saying he could have pulled off another great feat in his career.
"To be honest, I am a little disappointed but not entirely unhappy because I at least gave in to something.
"As a competitor who always wants to win, I have accepted that this one was not for me, and I just have to go back to working hard to improve," he said.
Top performances
The race was, however, not just about Coetzee and Mans; Anri Krugel also had her say in the women’s category.
Starting as a favourite, Krugel lived up to her title by storming to another victory.
She came across the final stretch alone, with no other competitors in sight.
Krugel was followed by a resilient Mellissa Hins and Swakopmund’s Luanne Van Der Schyff.
The shorter distances also delivered, as Marco Augustyn had an exciting finish over 40km.
Augustyn was followed closely by Vetumbuavi Ketjijere, who pushed himself to the limit.
The women’s category was taken by Estelle van Zyl, while Marsha Nell took the second spot, with Lorinda Viljoen taking third place.