The 2025 Nedbank Namibian National Championships for the Cross-Country Marathon (XCM) and E-XCM will take place tomorrow at Farm Bergquell in Okahandja.

The National Championships are set to begin at 07h00 and conclude at 13h00.

President of the Namibia Cycling Federation (NCF) Tauko Shilongo confirmed that preparations for the event are near completion at Farm Bergquell. He highlighted the importance of the competition, saying it is one of the most significant races in Namibia’s cycling calendar. 

 It serves as the decider of the national champions who will earn the national cycling jersey and the right to represent Namibia in major regional and international competitions. 

“The NCF is dedicated to strengthening cycling across all disciplines in Namibia. The race is a cornerstone of this strategy. This event is critical for the development of our cyclists, giving them a high-stakes, competitive environment right here at home to test their limits and secure their national champion status. 

“The calibre of cyclists Namibia is producing is nothing short of world-class. Their success in international competitions is a testament to the talent development structures we have in place,” Shilongo stated.

He added that, since the event is used as a platform to crown national champions and for development purposes, the NCF, alongside Rock and Rut, has thoroughly prepared for it, focusing on creating a conducive and safe racing environment.

The race will also feature the E-XCM category, embracing the technological advancements in mountain biking and catering to a wider range of participants. 

This inclusive approach reflects the broader vision for the sport’s development in the country.

Nedbank Namibia head of marketing and communications Gernot de Klerk highlighted the alignment of the bank’s core philosophy with its support for the event. 

“The championship is far more than a mountain bike race. It is a catalyst for national pride and personal excellence. At Nedbank, our purpose is to be money experts who do good. Our commitment to Namibian cycling perfectly embodies this ethos,” he stated.

He added that Nedbank sponsors the cross-country marathon and supports various key cycling events, including the Namport Nedbank Powerhouse Challenge, the Nedbank Cycle Challenge, the Nedbank Rock and Rut XC Series and the world-renowned Nedbank Desert Dash, which is scheduled for the first week of December. 

De Klerk explained that Nedbank has been instrumental in providing a consistent, competitive platform that allows local cyclists to excel and gain the necessary exposure to transition to the international stage.

“By providing a platform for our athletes to compete and be crowned national champions, we are directly investing in their dreams and their future. This event plays a vital role in the talent development pipeline, offering the visibility and accreditation our cyclists need to secure places on international teams and at global championships. We are incredibly proud to play a role in elevating Namibia’s status as a leading cycling nation in Africa,” he said.