NamibiaSport

Namibia came seventh out of 14 teams that competed in the Amashova Under 16 Cycling Tour at the Midmar Dam in Howick, Kwazulu Natal from October 1 to 4.


Namibia's U-16 cycling team

The Namibian team of five cyclists also won the trophy for the most professional team at the competition, while Till Drobish was Namibia’s best individual cyclist, finishing seventh overall and third in the white jersey classification, for first year riders.

Patrick Reimers finished 34th overall and José Barth, Matthias Kreft and Delano du Pisani finished 10th, 11th and 17th respectively in the white jersey classification.

The four-day event attracted 13 South African teams representing the cream of its Under 16 cyclists, many of whom ride for sponsored teams such as the Toyota Supercycling Academy, Mr Price, House of Paints and Cyclelab Supercycling teams. Some of these teams consist of cyclists recruited from all over South Africa, who send their cyclists off to Europe from June to August each year to gain experience and improve their ability. Despite intimidating odds, the Namibian cyclists held their heads high and did Namibia proud. They not only competed against South Africa’s best riders, but also against adverse and severe weather conditions.

The first day saw them riding a 14 km time trial in cold and misty conditions facing a strong headwind after the turnaround point. The best-placed Namibian riders after the time trial were Till Drobisch (12th), José Barth (21st) and Matthias Kreft (32nd).

On Day Two the cyclists had to contend with 91 kilometres of tortuous hills and a severe wind in 37 degree heat, which resulted in most teams running short on water and many riders experiencing muscle cramps resulting from dehydration and over exertion.

Riders were dropped from the main peloton right from the start and it was a select few riders who were out in front over the final kilometres of the stage. Within the last two kilometres, the leading bunch was reduced to only nine of the 78 riders who started the race, amongst them Till Drobisch and five riders of the Toyota Supercycling Academy team.

In the sprint to the finish line, Till Drobisch rode excellently and managed to cross the line in sixth place, a mere 10 seconds behind the winning time (2:43:11) of South African champion, Bradley Mitchell. This result moved him to sixth place overall and third place in the white jersey (best first year rider) competition. José Barth (seventh), Matthias Kreft (ninth) and Delano du Pisani (18th) were also placed well in the best young rider competition.

Day Three held a fast 46 km road stage and a 30 minute Criterium in store for the riders who, in stark contrast to the previous day, had to contend with rain and a cold 10 degrees Celsius. Despite containing some highly technical and dangerous corners, the criterium was ridden at a furious pace and 58 of the 77 riders who started were lapped and forced to retire. Till Drobisch was the only Namibian rider not lapped. His excellent riding in the road stage improved his overall position to fifth and his white jersey classification position to second.

The last stage over 85 km on day four was relatively flat and resulted in a fast pace and a peloton consisting of 43 riders sprinting for the finish line. Patrick Reimers, Till Drobisch and José Barth were in the peloton. An attack at the very narrow turnaround point resulted in the peloton being strung out over a long distance and the back end thereof, which included Delano du Pisani and Matthias Kreft, being dropped. Despite fighting back hard together with some other riders, they were not able to catch up with the race leaders who maintained an average speed of almost 38 km/h and they respectively crossed the finish line some 7 and 9 minutes later.

The final results bode well for Namibia’s chances at next year’s U/16 Tour and are testimony to the discipline, dedication and ability of the Namibian team cultivated under the experienced hands of their coach, Hella Rust.