The stage is set for the 20th edition of the Nedbank Desert Dash, the world’s longest single-stage mountain biking event, taking place tomorrow and Saturday.

Starting at The Grove Mall in Windhoek, participants will tackle a gruelling 401-kilometre journey across the ancient Namib Desert before crossing the finish line at Platz am Meer Mall in Swakopmund on Saturday.

Launched in 2005 with just 45 riders, the dash has grown exponentially, with nearly 1 000 cyclists gearing up this year to commemorate two decades of this iconic event. An enticing prize pool of N$564 000 awaits the winners.

Race organiser Leander Borg from LEMA Events shared exciting updates, including a 4km route extension and new categories to enhance the competition. 

“We are deeply grateful to all our sponsors, especially Nedbank Namibia, whose decade-long support has elevated this race into a world-class event,” Borg
said.

This year’s race features 19 female solo riders, including participants from Namibia, South Africa, Germany, Sweden, and Portugal, alongside 129 male solo riders representing a host of countries. 

In addition, eight female and 80 male two-person teams, 32 female and 124 male four-person teams, and 30 mixed teams have registered.

The Half-Dash solo race has drawn 11 female and 68 male entrants, with 14 female and 44 male teams. A new age category for cyclists over 50 has also been introduced for the solo race and two-person Half-Dash, with a minimum age requirement of 16.

Selma Kaulinge, Nedbank Namibia’s Communications and Public Relations Manager highlighted the dash’s economic and social impact. 

“This race not only drives economic activity in Windhoek and Swakopmund but also supports charities, embodying our commitment to making a positive difference in Namibia,” she said.

The Nedbank Namibia Desert Dash is co-sponsored by Spar Maerua Mall, Toyota Indongo, Paratus, Hollard Insurance, Walvis Bay Salt, Ciovita, Cymot, Heineken, Coca-Cola, Radio Wave, Groove Mall, Welwitschia Hospital, Platz am Meer, Rudy Project, Namibia Cycling Federation, Langer Heinrich Uranium and Bannerman Resources.