1 April 2011
The 2011 MTN Business Off Road Triathlon, which took place at Friedenua Dam last week Sunday, was well attended as about 400 spectators turned up to witness the event.
The main event consisted of a 1.2km swim, a 23.5km cycle and 8.1km run. Participants could also partake in the shorter “Sprint” or “Mini”.
MTN Business representative, Ingram van Heerden said, “As a sponsor we are delighted with the growth of the event and will definitely continue to support this exiting and tough event.”
Patrick de Goede won the main event in a time of 2:12:16, while the 18 year-old Oliver Freyer took the second overall place and was the winner of his age category with a time of 2:17:11.
Oliver was about 30 seconds behind Patrick in the swimming race. The bike section was neck on neck as the two finished the bike stage just inches apart. The talented Oliver put pressure on Patrick, currently Namibia’s best middle distance triathlete. However years of experience paid off and Patrick managed to build up a lead on the off road run.
Patrick said “It was really good to finish my season on a high note at a local event, with family and friends there. I have worked hard since May 2010 to elevate my game and the hard work has paid off. The MTN Off Road triathlon is as tough as anything we race abroad and always brings out the best in all the competitors. I was really stoked that Oliver Freyer had such a strong race, he had me worried for a good while. With a bit more experience and guidance, he will grow into a formidable triathlete.”
Vera Adrian was first overall in the female main event in a time of 2:35:52. Elke Jagau was overall second and winner of her age category in a time of 2:49:05, while Charmaine Shannon was third overall and second in her age category in a time of 2:52:09.
AllAfrica – All the Time