Freyer fifth in Dubai after late call-up
Namibian cyclist Martin Freyer produced an impressive fifth-place finish at the Al Salam Desert Race in Dubai on Sunday, following a dramatic late call-up that saw him travel to the UAE just days before the event.
Freyer received the invitation on Thursday morning after South African commentator Max Kluwer, who works closely with sport structures in Dubai and the Dubai Police, contacted him on behalf of the Dubai Police Force Team. With Freyer available at short notice, arrangements were made immediately, and by Thursday evening he was already en route to Dubai for the race, which formed part of the Al Salam Cycling Championship.
The Al Salam Championship is a multi-event cycling series featuring road and off-road races across several weekends. Freyer was selected to compete in the mountain desert race, a demanding 50km mountain bike event held in the desert outside Dubai.
Described by organisers as “an extraordinary sporting adventure in the heart of the Al Qudra desert,” the race tests riders with unforgiving sands, water crossings and steep dune climbs, creating a unique and physically punishing challenge. For Freyer, it marked his first competitive experience in this specific desert format.
He arrived in Dubai on Friday morning alongside Manny Heymans, who travelled with him as mechanic and team manager. The pair were welcomed by the Dubai Police, including Commander Bouamim, and hosted at the force’s sports facilities. Friday was spent inspecting the route, Saturday featured the women’s race, and Sunday afternoon saw the men take to the course.
The race began at a blistering pace, dominated early on by a powerful Al Shabaab team that fielded three strong riders, including a professional cyclo-cross racer from the Netherlands and South African-based pro Reinhard Geyser. After the opening obstacles, a select group formed, with Freyer the only Dubai Police rider able to remain in contention.
Despite sustained attacks from the leading team, Freyer held on in the chasing group. Two riders managed to break away after just 10km in a technical section featuring thick sand and rocks, leaving a small group of five to work together behind them. Later, the reigning indoor world champion bridged across to the group and eventually went on to claim third place.
As the race entered its closing stages, attacks resumed among the chasers, with Freyer ultimately crossing the line in fifth place overall against a field stacked with international professionals.
“I’m quite happy with it, especially against the riders I raced,” Freyer said. “With the late call-up, a format I’m not used to, and the intensity at this time of year, I think it was a good result.”
Riding for the Dubai Police Force Team, Freyer’s performance highlighted both his adaptability and endurance, competing strongly in unfamiliar conditions against World Tour-level opposition.
He also described the experience as an invaluable opportunity and hopes it could open doors for other Namibian cyclists in future. “It’s a very interesting connection with the Dubai Police,” he said. “Hopefully more Namibian riders can come over and race here.”
Freyer now turns his attention back home, where he is currently organising Namibia’s national cycling championships , a demanding task in itself, with route marking, logistics and event preparation taking priority. Despite the added pressure, he is looking forward to hosting the country’s top riders and ensuring a successful championship.
His Dubai result not only adds another strong international performance to his résumé, but also underlines Namibia’s growing presence on the global cycling stage
Comments
Sportwrap
No comments have been left on this article