WINDHOEK – This weekend will not be about the usual butterfly strokes and backstrokes for Namibia’s leading Paralympic swimmer, Gideon ‘The Amphibian’ Nasilowski when he becomes the first Para-athlete to compete in the popular 30th edition of the Nedbank Cycling Challenge in Windhoek Sunday.
Nasilowski will participate in the race using a state-of-the-art KMX Cobra Recumbent Tricycle which was especially designed for him in the United Kingdom at the cost of about N$ 55 000.
A recumbent tricycle is a bicycle that places the rider in a laid-back reclining position. Most recumbent riders choose this type of design for ergonomic reasons; the rider’s weight is distributed comfortably over a larger area, supported by back and buttocks. On a traditional upright bicycle, the body weight rests entirely on a small portion of the sitting bones, the feet and the hands.
For Nasilowski, the excessive price of the tricycle is the last thing on his mind but what pushed him to get the bike was his desire to inspire fellow Para-athletes while also adding a whole new dimension to the Nedbank road race, which is Namibia’s biggest road racing event.
“My goal has always been to inspire the lives of others and I hope my participation in this event will really go a long way making a little difference. As for myself, I’m really not targeting any special achievements as it will just be a joy ride aimed at uplifting my fellow athletes in the Paralympics fraternity,” said an excited Nasilowski.
The race will start at the Nedbank Independence Avenue branch and run through the city before cyclists wind their way back to the finish line, which is also at the Nedbank Independence Avenue branch.
Cyclists will get the chance to grind each other in the 20km, 35km, 75km and 100km races. With new partners on board such as Europcar and Namibia Media Holdings (NMH), organisers have this year promised a much bigger and better edition.