Classica de Namaacha – 8 de Julho de 2007

Start time: 07:30 – Defending Champion: Tim Fair

Good weather met the challenges of the Classica de Namaacha on Sunday. The race welcomed its defending champion coming in from Europe, our very own Tim Fair.

The race began with a very high pace at 37km/hr set by Tim into the head wind of 14km/hr. Popping off the back was Rui Ferreira, Abilio Matusse and Samuel Musagi who then went on to quit due to a puncture.

Up the Pedreira climb it was clear that Tim was in a league of his own. He dropped the peloton as if they were on tricycles. Luckily he waited for the group at the top. Imran launched a test but did not go very far. A second attempt was closed down by Joao Antonio pacing the group about 5km before the Namaacha climb.

Carlos was first at the front gaining himself about 50 metres on the group before Imran decided to attack the group. Moments later Tim fair launched his counter passing Imran as if he was standing still, seconds later Carlos was passed. Alvaro increased the pace trying to catch Tim. After the first KOM Tim waited for the bunch. A trio containing Tim, Joao R. and Alvaro was formed at the front.

Tim dropped both Joao R. and Alvaro. Unfortunately Alvaro suffered a puncture while riding with Joao R. He managed to ride with up to the third KOM for a spare which was a Campy 10 for his Shimano 9. While it was being repaired he managed to get to the final KOM (MOM 4 - the turn around point) by then Joao R. was caught by Joao A. who had dropped Duncan and Vicente.

Imran caught Vicente on KOM 2 and rode with him before dropping him on the descent back to PL. Alvaro caught Vicente on the downhill and met with Imran at the foot of the climb. A three men team was formed to hunt down the next rider. 3km later Duncan was caught forming a 4-men team led by Alvaro. Imran took the helm causing both Duncan and Vicente to detach. Joao A. was dropped by Joao R. at the Pedreira climb in the chase of Tim Fair. Tim Fair was clearly in a league of his own basically riding more than half the distance on his own to win the race.

Joao R. took second. Joao A. was caught by both Imran and Alvaro with 6km to go. Alvaro took third place comfortably ahead of Imran. Out of shape Duncan Wyness almost beat Joao A. at the sprint after having dropped Vicente.

The next race will be the toughest race yet in the Cup and covers two of the biggest climbs in Maputo. The 16km Namaacha climb and the 10km Goba climb.    

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