NEWS: BENN NEWSPress Release: 'The Erminator' to head south
16/09/2008: One of Namibia’s most promising young athletes is already eyeing up the 2012 Olympic Games after a gold medal at the National Mountain Bike championships on Sunday.
Ermin VanWyk, the 21-year-old cycling sensation who pedaled away with the top honours in the national mountain biking series this season, took the under-23 title.
VanWyk, who until was a member of Team BEN Namibia, recently signed a contract to race for the South African team of DCM Chrome Mountain Bike. The former world junior championship team member will train out of Johannesburg and compete in several mountain bike events throughout the remainder of the year.
“It’s once in a lifetime that you get an opportunity like this and you have to grab it with both hands,” VanWyk said. “I want to inspire younger riders to get on their bikes, get fit and get focused.”
Cycling competitively since the age of 11, VanWyk has competed in two world junior championship events, the Commonwealth Games and last year’s African Championships held in Windhoek where he finished second in the under-23 age category.
As a member of Team BEN Namibia, Van Wyk rode in the company of some of the country’s best young riders. Team BEN Namibia cyclists are not only committed to developing competitive cycling in Namibia, but to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. A year-long campaign in partnership with New Start Centres throughout the country has already seen big increases in the number of people testing for HIV.
“We’re proud of Ermin’s achievement, and pleased to have been a stepping stone for his success,” said Michael Linke, managing director of BEN Namibia. “Ermin is a role model for young Namibians, his focus and drive show that engaging in sport is a great way to avoid risky lifestyles that can lead to contracting HIV.”
All Team BEN Namibia members are committed cyclists who know what it is to start out with very little and work towards a dream.
Team BEN Namibia commenced in April this year with sponsorship from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Nucleus Health and Fitness Club and Bicycles for Humanity.
For further information, contact Michael Linke, 081 295 6281, michael@benbikes.org.za.
