Africa-Press – Namibia. The organisers of the world’s longest single-stage mountain bike event, the Nedbank Namibia Desert Dash, have confirmed the competition’s return for the 20th consecutive year. Over 1 200 mountain bike cyclists are expected to participate in this year’s event, which is scheduled to start on 6 December, departing from The Grove Mall in Windhoek.
The cyclists will compete in the 397-kilometre race across the world’s oldest desert, the Namib, during the day and at night, before completing the competition in Swakopmund at Platz Am Meer Mall on 7 December.
The entry dates for the solo riders and half-solo riders will open on 3 June at 10h00, while the two-person team and two-person half-dash riders’ entries will open on 10 June at 10h00, whereas the four-person team entries will open on 17 June at 10h00.
The four-person team entries are the most sought-after category, where in previous years, entry slots sold out in mere seconds. Organisers have introduced a new separate age category for cyclists over 50 years for the solo dash. Prize money for first, second and third finishers will be given to both male and female riders in this category.
This year’s race will also introduce the two-person half dash, which has no age restrictions, except for a minimum age of 16 on event day. The cyclists’ turnout in the 2023 race saw a total of 24 female solo riders participate, 10 from South Africa and seven Namibians.
The 2023 race had 166 solo male riders participating, 72 Namibians and 59 South Africans. Namibia and South Africa provided the bulk of the competitors to the race that attracts riders from across the globe.
The entry fees and categories for the 2024 races are as follows: solo riders (N$4000); two-person team (N$7 000; four-person team (N$14 000); solo half-dash N$4 000, and two-person team half-dash (N$7 000).
This year, the early bird entries will be available for 80 team entries only. Twenty early bird entries (which apply to four-person teams only) will again be open with immediate effect until 31 May.
Cyclists interested in early bird tickets are requested to email [email protected]. If selected to purchase an early bird ticket, cyclists will be required to make payment within 24 hours.
The total cost for early bird entries is N$21 000, with N$7000 going to charity. Nedbank Namibia spokesperson Selma Kaulinge said as money experts who do good, they are incredibly proud of hitting the 20-year mark of the longest single-stage cycling event in the world.
“It is not just about the race, but fostering community spirit, promoting a healthy lifestyle and providing a platform to see our local, and cyclists thrive. With entries about to open, I encourage all cyclists to enter and celebrate with us 20 years of this amazing race,” she said.
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