TEAM BENN: PROFILES

Ermin Van Wyk – Team leader.
One of the best mountain bikers in Africa, Ermin Van Wyk has competed in the African Championships, the Commonwealth Games and won the national mountain bike championships on several occasions. He graduated from Team BEN Namibia in September 2008 when he accepted a professional contract with a South Africa team. In January 2009, he rejoined Team BEN Namibia in a leadership capacity.

Victor Nakalenga – Senior team.
Named the 2008 Windhoek Pedal Power Male Elite Cyclist of the Year, Victor Nakalenga is one of the best all-around cyclists in Namibia, with success in both the road and mountain bike seasons.

Josh Nakapipi – Senior team.
Finishing third in the spring 2008 Windhoek Pedal Power series, Josh Nakapipi shows great dedication to the sport, is continually committed to training and is consistently improving. Additionally, Josh mentors several young Namibian cyclists, with the hope of ushering them into the world of competitive cycling. 

Victor Krohne – Senior team.
Identified as one of the most promising up-and-coming cyclists in Namibia by the Namibian Cycling Federation, Victor Krohne was sent to South Africa for extensive cycling training with a professional team.
Best race: 2009 Nedbank Cycle Classic, 35 km, 1st

Wally Kubas – Senior team.
Wally Kubas is an up-and-coming cyclist who competed in every cycling race in 2008 and is currently working at a local bicycle workshop.

Mario Strauss – Senior team.
With one of the strongest finishes in the biggest cycling races on the Namibian calendar, Mario Strauss works full time and cycles is dedicated to training weekends and evenings.

Martin Nghilifarili – Junior team.
At 19, Martin Nghilifarili has shown incredible talent and promise, racing long distances and finishing in the top ten at the 2009 national road cycling championships. Aside from cycling, he is a dynamic public speaker and encouraged hundreds of people to get tested in Spin for Life activities. 
Best race: 2009 WPP Dobra Loops, B Cat, 3rd

Daniel 'Lucky' Mbako – Junior team.
Quickly becoming a leader in cycling, Daniel Mbako has consistently trained to be at the top of his division and is showing promising results in Windhoek Pedal Power Series races.
Best race: 2009 Nedbank Cycle Classic, 35 km, 3rd

Laban Naftal – Junior team.
A committed cyclist, Laban Naftal coaches 20 young cyclists at Physically Active Youth (PAY) and competes in various local cycling races.

Costa Seibeb – Junior team.
At 15, Costa Seibeb has already won several local and national medals in the under-16 road racing category, along with winning first at the 2009 Nedbank 35km Cycle Challenge against a field of 474 riders.
Best race: 2009 Nedbank Cycle Classic, 35 km, 1st