The Namibia Economist

Cycling hijack quaint Omaruru

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The Nedbank Craven Camp took place over the past weekend with 25 young and developing riders from all over the country basing themselves at the Omaruru Rest Camp for three days of intense training.
The pivotal figure of the camp was the professional cyclist and 2012 Olympic contestant, Dan Craven. With his advice and support, the 25 participants received training in fitness and strength, as well as techniques and tactics.
Thanks to seven vehicles from the logistical partner of the camp, KIA Motors, the camp was able to attract cyclists from unexpected parts of Namibia with riders coming from as far afield as Oshakati, Walvisbay, Swakopmund and Keetmanshoop. Toshiba made it possible for five riders from the Oshakati Cycling Club to join the camp and Dan was also very glad to see that his numerous visits to the Physically Active Youth Centre in Katutura paid amazing dividends; as no less than seven cyclists from the programme joined the camp.
Each day’s activities started before 6h00 as Fx Fitness personal trainers took the group through their paces with important warming up and core strength exercises before setting out on the road. As the group included riders ranging from National Junior Team riders to reasonable novices the group often had to be split into three so as to be able to work on specific needs. These included motor pacing and slipstreaming skills, fast wheel changes, specific speed and strength work as well as basic group riding techniques.
The afternoons were kept full with question and answer sessions as well as further skill and confidence development sessions on a small closed road circuit.
A major component of Dan’s message to the young riders was: “Make your riding and your training fun; this will make you enjoy it more and leave you achieving much more with less perceived effort.”
After being warned that they would struggle to find as many riders as during previous years, the organisers are extremely pleased to say it was certainly not the case. From hosting one camp with 23 riders in 2010, the Craven Camp accommodated a total of 30 different riders.
The participants all returned to their homes after the camp, eager to apply the newly learned skills and with gratitude to the sponsors who made this experience possible for them, including Nedbank, Cymot, Omaruru Spar, Kia Motors, Fx Fitness, USN, Toshiba, Omaruru Rest Camp, Maerua Superspar, FCS and Something Woody.
The Nedbank Craven Camp was organised by Proactive Sports Marketing & Management.

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