Africa-Press – Namibia. The Gallina MX Park north of Windhoek moved a step closer to hosting the 2026 Motocross of African Nations, following a recent inspection by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Africa.
Andre Dearden, representing FIM Africa, visited the track last weekend to evaluate progress on preparations for the continental showpiece slated for August.
The event is expected to draw approximately 200 riders from across Africa.
Beyond logistics such as rider accommodation and medical services, the venue has undergone significant structural upgrades to its pits, ablution blocks, and entertainment areas.
Changes to the track layout, starting gates, and ramps were also required to meet strict FIM standards.
In an exclusive interview with Top Revs, Dearden, who attended the third leg of the local circuit to familiarise himself with the track and officials, expressed satisfaction with the progress four months out.
“I was quite surprised when I arrived here and saw the tracks. It is mainly safe, and when you get a lot of riders on the tracks, safety is my first priority,” he says.
Ingo Waldschmidt, representing the local MX chapter, previously noted that the track required broadening and increased safety distances between the fencing and the circuit to accommodate a larger field of riders.
South African rider Zoe Jae Botha (18) travelled to Namibia to test the Gallina dirt in preparation of the Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN).
Competing in the Women’s MX (WMX) class, Botha dominated all three heats with ease despite it being her first time on the track.
“The track is so awesome to race on. It has such a good surface and layout; it’s really amazing,” she says.
While her selection for the South African national team is yet to be confirmed, she remains confident of a return in August.
Saturday’s local leg saw 48 riders compete across nine classes.
While conditions were generally favourable, high winds occasionally challenged senior riders during jumps.
One rider sustained injuries during the final ‘King of the Dirt’ (KOTD) heat and was treated by OSH-Med International before being transported to hospital.
In true motocross spirit, the rider confirmed he intends to be fit for the fourth leg, scheduled for 13 June at Omaruru.
Weekend results:
50cc: 1. Sebastian Pack; 2. Jannie Louw (Jr); 3. Alexander Jacobs
65cc: 1. Oliver Mathews; 2. Markus Pack; 3. Mason Meyer
85cc: 1. Leander Metzger; 2. Connor Bouwer; 3. Riaan van der Hoven
125cc Jnr: 1. Leander Metzger; 2. Kilian Hamm; 3. Marco Lindemeier
WMX: 1. Zoe Jae Botha; 2. Ingo Waldschmidt; 3. Melanize Oberholzer
MX 2: 1. Nils Elmering; 2. Gero Friederich
MX 1: 1. Mark Sternagel; 2. Juan de Vos; 3. Jarno Metzger
Vets: 1. Heiko Stranghoner; 2. Sogo Pack; 3. Olaf Pack
KOTD: 1. Mark Sternagel; 2. Juan de Vos; 3. Gero Friederich
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