Hollard reign supreme in 2025 WPP cycling series

Team Hollard completed a clean sweep of the 2025 Nedbank Windhoek Power Pedal (WPP) series, claiming both the men’s and women’s overall individual and team titles following a dramatic finale held on Sunday at the Heroes’ Acre Bridge in Windhoek.The final race of the season saw Jacques Hanekom secure his first-ever elite race victory in a time of 2 hours, 34 minutes and 10 seconds (02:34:10), capping off a dominant showing by the Hollard men. Hanekom’s win propelled him into third place in the overall individual standings with 720 points.Top spot in the elite men’s overall standings went to Drikus Coetzee, who amassed 970 points over the course of the six-race season. Roger Suren, who did not compete in the final event, finished second with 745 points.Hanekom was closely followed by teammate Martin Freyer in second (02:34:39) and Nicolaas Swart of Hollard Ambassadors in third (02:34:40), completing a podium dominated by the blue and yellow colours of Hollard.In the elite women’s race, defending champion Anri Greeff retained her crown in fine style, clocking 02:29:39 to claim both the final race and overall title. She was closely followed by Marissa Mouton of Food Lovers Market Ladies and Rosemarie Thiel of the CYMOT Ladies Racing Team, who both finished in the same time in a tight sprint to the finish.The final race results confirmed Hollard’s dominance in the team standings as well. The elite men’s team scored 134 points to secure top honours, ahead of Team MBM Men (117 points) and the CYMOT Men’s Racing Team (115 points).In the elite women’s team standings, Hollard—represented by Greeff, Louise Breed, Marion Schoneke, and Marguerite Verwey—accumulated 76 points to finish top. Food Lovers Market Ladies placed second on 58 points, while the CYMOT Ladies Racing Team rounded out the podium with 52 points.Reflecting on his maiden elite win, Hanekom expressed his excitement and credited his teammates.“It is my first ever win, so I’m very excited. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates—especially Martin (Freyer), who came up with today’s strategy. It worked out perfectly,” said Hanekom.Greeff, who successfully defended her title, said the race was enjoyable despite the windy and cold conditions.“As a team, we’re happy to take first and second today, as well as the overall win. The tactic was to try for a second-place finish, but I’m pleased to have crossed the line first and to win the overall series again.”She added that she looks forward to upcoming races both locally and potentially in South Africa.Race organiser Stefanus Feris of the Windhoek Pedal Power Road Cycling Club said the season was a success in terms of participation.“We had a good turnout across the season. The time trial had a particularly strong field. The ladies’ competition has improved a lot, and we’re also seeing younger riders really coming through,” Feris noted.He acknowledged the logistical challenges involved in route planning and ensuring rider safety, citing a few unexpected events.“Wild animals occasionally appeared on the roads, and there’s always the concern of other road users becoming agitated. But our priority is always safety, and we’ve managed to get everyone to the finish line without incident.”Looking ahead, Feris said the club is considering new race additions for 2026 and hopes to reinstate the popular Dordabis race.Meanwhile, Nedbank Namibia’s Communication and Public Relations Manager, Selma Kaulinge, congratulated the organisers and riders for another successful season.“On behalf of Nedbank Namibia, I extend our warmest congratulations to the Windhoek Pedal Power Road Cycling Club. We are immensely proud of our long-standing partnership with the WPP and the work they do to uplift the sport of cycling in Namibia.”Kaulinge also urged the organisers to expand efforts to include cyclists from previously disadvantaged communities, stressing the importance of diversity and inclusivity in sport.“We encourage innovation to attract more participants and spectators. To all the cyclists—your dedication is inspiring. Congratulations to the winners, and to those who didn’t reach their goals this time, keep pushing and come back stronger.”With six races concluded and plenty of action throughout the season, the 2025 WPP series has left fans and riders alike looking forward to what promises to be an even more thrilling 2026 edition.

Hollard reign supreme in 2025 WPP cycling series

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