Namibian cyclist Xavier Papo has set his sight on representing Namibia at this year’s Commonwealth Games set for Birmingham, England between 28 July and 08 August this year.

After winning the Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power (WPP), Döbra Loops on Sunday, Papo told Nampa that this year is a selection year for the Commonwealth Games and he has been working over the past year to keep fit.

“Winning the first cycling event of the year means a lot to me. I hope I will continue to perform like this so that I can win more races and probably make the team for the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

Papo who finished in third place in the road race and individual time trial at the 2019 national championship said with the cycling calendar fully back, he will focus on working hard and will challenge for the top position at the championships.

To be crowned champion on Sunday, Papo finished first in the men’s category with a time of two hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds (02:22:49) while Alex Miller and Drikus Coetzee finished second and third respectively in a photo finish.

The women category was won by Melissa Hinz with a time of 02:00:46 followed by Courtney Liebenberg in second place while Monique Du Plessis completed the podium position.

Among other WPP races to follow, is the WPP2 (Dordabis) on 30 January, the WPP3 (Matchless)on 27 February, the WPP4 (Teufelsschlucht) on 31 July, the WPP5 Team Time Trial at Carin Park on 14 August, with the final and sixth race of the year’s venue and date still to be announced.

Cycling enthusiasts should also be on the lookout for other Nedbank Namibia cycling events under the theme “The Nedbank Festival of Cycling” which include the Nedbank National Time Trial Championships on 04 February; The Nedbank National Road Race Championships on 06 February as well as the family favourite, the Nedbank Cycle Challenge set for 13 February.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency