All systems go for the 20th Desert Dash 

The organisers of the world’s longest single-stage mountain biking event, the Nedbank Desert Dash, say everything is in place for the 20th edition of the competition this weekend.

The 2024 Nedbank Desert Dash is scheduled to start at Grove Mall in Windhoek tomorrow.

Participants will cycle a total of 401km across the world’s oldest desert – the Namib Desert – before completing the race at Swakopmund at Platz am Meer Mall on Saturday.

The Nedbank Desert Dash piloted in 2005 with 45 riders participating in the inaugural race. This year, close to 1 000 riders will take on 401 kilometres through the Namib Desert to celebrate two decades of the Nedbank Desert Dash. With N$564 000 in prize money, winners will receive amazing rewards for their efforts.

Race organiser Leander Borg from Lema Events has provided more details on this year’s race.

“One of the exciting updates for this year is that we have increased the distance by 4km and added a couple of exciting categories, which have been well accepted by the riders, as evidenced by the number entrants. As we celebrate this big milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to all our sponsors who make this extraordinary event possible. Our heartfelt thanks go especially to Nedbank Namibia, whose decade-long commitment and substantial investment have fuelled the growth and success of the event, transforming it into the iconic race it is today,” Borg says.

Borg says all the co-sponsors played a major role in ensuring the success of the Nedbank Desert Dash so that it remains a memorable, world-class experience for cyclists and supporters alike.

A total of 19 female solo riders have entered this year’s race, with 11 of them coming from Namibia and five from South Africa, and Germany, Sweden and Portugal contributing one rider each.

The solo men’s race has 129 entrants, with 62 of them from Namibia, 40 from South Africa and 13 from Germany.

The rest of the riders are from Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Britain, Canada, France, Lebanon, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

There are eight female and 80 male two-person teams, and 32 female and 124 male four-person teams this year.

A total of 30 mixed teams also entered for this year’s race.

For the half-dash solo race, 11 female and 68 male riders entered, while 14 female and 44 male half-dash teams entered.

This year, the organisers have introduced a new separate age category for cyclists over 50 for the solo race and the two-person half dash, which has no age restrictions except for a minimum age of 16 on the event day.

“With only a few days to Africa’s ultimate mountain biking race – the Nedbank Desert Dash – we are thrilled to see this iconic endurance race continue to impact our local economy significantly,” says Nedbank Namibia spokesperson Selma Kaulinge.

“Each year, the race drives substantial economic activity in Windhoek and Swakopmund, boosting sales in food and fuel, and energising the entertainment and hospitality sectors. Over the race weekend, these cities come alive with an increased number of visitors from all over the world coming to witness this incredible event.”

Kaulinge says beyond the economic benefits, Nedbank Namibia is proud of the charitable initiatives of the Dash over the years.

“This race not only challenges cyclists but also uplifts communities through various charities participating in the race to create awareness and engage in fundraising activities to help in their course. As money experts who do good, this underscores our commitment to making a positive impact in Namibia. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to many more years of growth, challenge and contribution to our nation’s economy and society,” she says.

The Nedbank Namibia Desert Dash is proudly 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.

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