The 2024 Nedbank Rock and Rut XC series will take place at Farm
Bergquell, situated on the outskirts of Okahandja, tomorrow. 

The representative of  the Rock and Rut Mountain Bike Club and event organiser Michael Hennes said the races will be hosted at this new venue, which was commissioned last year, and is expected to give riders new challenges as they are not familiar with the route. “We are developing a new route at this private farm. We have already done a lot of work, and feel it’s time we tested it. We will further develop it, based on the feedback from the riders as time goes on,” he said.

Hennes added that last week, riders were invited to test the new trails, and the organisers were pleased with the feedback.

In terms of preparations for this weekend’s activities, he said everything was going according to plan.  The race organisers expect about 100 riders in the men’s and women’s elite categories, juniors, veterans, sub-veterans, masters and grandmaster races. The young riders will start from U/10s to U/16s. Also speaking on behalf of the organisers, Anna Wucher said Farm Bergquell is a privately-owned farm, which is collaborating with the Rock and Rut Mountain Bike Club to advance mountain biking in Namibia by expanding the number of single-track trails for all club members to ride on. “Since the end of last year, our club has invested substantial time and resources to build a brand-new network of single-track fun trails on Bergquell for everyone to enjoy, with the long-term vision to host some of our cross-country events at this location. It will be our first event on the new trails, so we are very excited,” said Wucher.

She said after the official races, there will be a fun relay with mixed teams on a short track.

“It is always tremendous fun to watch, and
 a wonderful opportunity for riders to make new connections and friends within the sport. We’re all looking forward to crowning the winning relay team,” Wucher said.

Nedbank Namibia manager for communications and public relations Selma Kaulinge said they are excited about this edition of the series, as it will feature a new route at a new venue. 

“I applaud the organisers for going all out in developing our cyclists in various ways, which include exposing them to new environments. At Nedbank Namibia, we believe in supporting initiatives that not only enrich our communities, but also inspire individuals to achieve their best,” she said.