Africa-Press – Namibia. Hollard Namibia and partners Heineken 0.0 and Standard Bank have announced the launch of the Hollard Grand Prix Cycling Series, a bold new multi-discipline racing series set to raise the bar for competitive cycling in Namibia during the 2026 season.
Designed to reward consistency, performance and commitment, the five-race series brings together mountain bike, gravel and road cycling events into one integrated championship.
Running from April to October 2026, the series will traverse some of Namibia’s most iconic cycling terrain, culminating in a high-energy road cycling finale at the Hollard Hearts Foundation Cycling Festival, where double championship points will be on offer.
With a total series prize purse of N$620 000, including N$250 000 each for the overall male and female winners, the Hollard Grand Prix Cycling Series positions itself as one of the most attractive competitive cycling opportunities in the country.
Points are awarded to the top ten finishers at each event, with additional points available for King and Queen of the Mountain segments, adding tactical depth and excitement throughout the season, with the overall competition framework overseen by series director Johan Pretorius.
To qualify for overall series standings and prize money, riders must complete a minimum of three events, encouraging sustained participation and long-term rivalry across disciplines.
A calendar worth committing to
The 2026 series features five sanctioned events, hosted in partnership with established race organisers and governed by the Namibian Cycling Federation:
Moonlandscape, Swakopmund – Mountain Bike | 04 April 2026
Friedenau – Mountain Bike | 09 May 2026
Na/aankusê – Gravel | 25 July 2026
Khomas 100 – Gravel | 22 August 2026
Hollard Hearts Foundation Cycling Festival – Road | 18 October 2026
Entries for individual events will open through the respective race organisers, with strong early interest expected as riders begin mapping out their 2026 racing calendars.
Raising the profile of cycling
The investment in the series reflects its continued commitment to sport, wellbeing and community connection, while supporting the growth of cycling as both a competitive and lifestyle pursuit in Namibia.
The president of the Namibia Cycling Federation, Tauko Shilongo welcomed the series, while Anri Parker, the CEO of the Namibia National Olympic Committee said it proivided good preparation for upcoming international events.
“As we look ahead to major events such as the Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympic Games, it is important that athletes have access to regular, high-quality competition at home. Series like these help build experience, confidence and readiness for the international stage,” she said.
Carol Msadu, Heineken Brand Manager, said the brand is excited to partner with Hollard on the initiative and looks forward to supporting cycling events across the series as well as encourage responsible consumption with the Heineken 0.0 variant.
Gaby Horne, Head: Client Coverage (CIB) at Standard Bank Namibia, said the Bank is proud to be associated with the Grand Prix Cycling Series and welcomes the opportunity to contribute to healthy lifestyle living in Namibia.
The launch was attended by members of the Hollard elite cycling team, including Delsia Janse van Vuuren, Anri Greeff, Theuns van der Westhuizen and Drikus Coetzee, all recognised as multiple champions and consistent top performers at national level.
“This series is about more than individual race days and cycling brings people together in a powerful way,” said Jaco Lamprecht, CEO of Hollard Namibia.
“By creating a series that spans disciplines and regions, we’re supporting athletes, organisers and communities, while giving spectators something exciting to follow throughout the year,” he added.
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