TEAM BENN: JOSH NAKAPIPI

Birthdate: 16 Sept 1986
Hometown: Windhoek
Discipline: Road, Time Trial
Occupation: Bike Mechanic, BEN Namibia

In his own words:
First, before I start, I want to thank two friends: Victor Krohne and Victor Nakalenga - if it were not for them I would not have been who I am today. Victor Krohner was the one to bring me in to the game of cycling.

I used to bike to school every day and I enjoyed riding my bike. It was approaching year end and there was osmething called Cycle Classic. I got some motivation from Victor Krohner to register and for us students it was free of charge. It was in 2005 and I entered as a schoool team with thwo other friends. This was my first race ever. I started to love cycling and it was a new hobby for me and even became the most exciting.

The third person to give my thanks to is Michael Linke of BEN Namibia. He pays for some important race entries. I was very interested in joining Team BEN Namibia when he suggested it. I never gave up and as days passed a few changes started to occur. I started to perform better than before and this encouraged me not to give up.

Opportunity comes once in life and this is the only chance I got to be where I want to be with my cycling career. Being part of the team is not a joke, the power of focusing is needed and I never look back. A team means a lot to me, it inspires me to work very hard and train myself to my best efforts and BEN Namibia is going to be the best team in the country. I am ready to face any challenge that may come in my way and nothing will break me down. More effort is needed to one of the strong riders in my team and in Namibia as well.
Being a cyclist, I never sit at home, I am always busy and this helps me avoid many problems.

Selected Results:
2005
1st - Development Tour
27th - Cycle Classic, 30km

2006
12th - NedBank Polytechnic Cycle Race - 30km
12th - Nedbank Cycle Tour - 30km
40th - Cycle Classic - 65km
15th - Windhoek Pedal Power Series, Dordabis - 50km
25th - Windhoek Pedal Power Series, Matchless - 70km

2007
12th - Nedbank Cycle Tour - 30km
28th - Cycle Classic - 65km
10th - Windhoek Pedal Power Series, Dobra Loops - 85km

2008
2nd - Tour de Windhoek - B Category (3-day multiple race)
3rd - National Time Trial Championship - 55 km

About Team BEN Namibia:
Team BEN Namibia is a group of Namibia's top cyclists committed not only to developing the sport of bicycle racing in Namibia, but to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country. This new initiative is sponsored by the U.S. Embassy through a grant from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Nucleus Health and Fitness Club and Bicycles for Humanity.