World’s longest single-staged mountain bike race launched in Namibia

Dubbed the world's longest single-staged mountain bike race, the 2024 Nedbank Desert Dash was launched in Windhoek on Monday and celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

The Nedbank Desert Dash is a mountain bike event where cyclists are given 24 hours to complete the race which goes from Windhoek to Swakopmund crossing the Namib Desert. The race distance this year is 401km.

The race will start on 6 December at the Grove Mall in Windhoek and conclude in Swakopmund’s Platz Am Meer Mall on 7 December.

Over 900 cyclists have registered to participate, with 160 cyclists participating in the two-man teams, 624 in the four-person teams, and 190 cyclists riding solo. This year, 15 cyclists will participate in the e-bike category for four-person teams, where each cyclist will be required to ride an e-bike for the second year running.

The organisers have introduced a new age category for cyclists over 50 years for the solo dash. They will be cycling from the Halfway Point to the finish line in Swakopmund.

In addition, the organisers have also introduced the two-person half dash, which has no age restrictions except the minimum age of 16.

GLOBAL PARTICIPATION

Nedbank Namibia’s Managing Director Martha Murorua said the event has grown to become one of the biggest in the world, attracting participants from all over the world.

“As we reflect on this journey, it’s important to recognise that the Nedbank Desert Dash has become one of the most sought-after cycling events on the continent.

“Nedbank has been a long-term sponsor of key cycling events, most notably the Nedbank Cycle Challenge and the Nedbank Desert Dash, and through this support Namibian cyclists have significantly increased their participation in international competitions.

“Athletes like Alex Miller and Vera Looser have represented Namibia on international platforms, including the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“Alex has gone on to excel at the African Continental Championships, showcasing the talent that Namibia has to offer, while Vera Looser has once again put Namibia on the world map when she recently won the UCI Cross country Marathon World Cup series in the USA, inspiring many with her dedication and skill,” Murorua said.