Nearly 300 cyclists participated in the inaugural N/a’ankusê Namibian National Gravel Championships, held this past weekend at N/a’ankusê Lodge and on the surrounding gravel roads north of Windhoek.
The championship also formed the third of five races in the 2026 Hollard Grand Prix Series, adding further importance to the event as riders competed for valuable series points.
Participants competed across three distances – 145km, 95km and 50km – with a wide variety of racing and age categories represented.
The main 145km championship race started at 07h15 in extremely cold conditions. The demanding route took riders north of N/a’ankusê Lodge before returning through the reserve for the final 15km. Featuring approximately 1 300 metres of climbing, the course provided a challenging and fitting test for a national championship.
The men’s championship produced an exciting finish, with Drikus Coetzee, riding for Hollard and Davin Trust, defeating Ingram Cuff in a sprint to claim the Namibian Gravel Championship title.
In the women’s 145km race, South African cyclist Catherine Kruger crossed the finish line first. As Kruger is a South African citizen, the Namibian national title was awarded to second-placed Anri Greeff. Both riders represented Hollard.
The Thiel siblings claimed the men and women’s honours in the 95km race. Marco Thiel’s victory further strengthened his position at the top of the Hollard Grand Prix Series leaderboard as he continues his pursuit of the series’ N$250 000 grand prize.
The 50km race showcased emerging cycling talent, with York Ahrens and Qara Volschenk taking the respective men and women’s victories.
Johan Pretorius, the series director and event organiser said:
“For the first N/a’ankusê race, I am extremely happy with the number of entries and the quality of the cyclists who participated. It was particularly encouraging to see so many new faces and to experience the talent of our young and upcoming riders.”
“I believe the course we designed presented a challenge worthy of a national championship and the titles awarded to the winners. Overall, the event was thoroughly enjoyed, and we are extremely grateful to our main sponsor, Hollard, all our supporting sponsors, and N/a’ankusê for hosting us at this exceptional venue,” Pretorius added.
The day began with early-morning coffee and muffins to help riders and supporters brave the cold conditions, while traditional braai meat was served throughout the day, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere at the venue.
Finishers received specially designed N/a’ankusê medals, while podium finishers were awarded Hollard Grand Prix Series medals. Winners of the eligible national championship categories also received their official championship medals.
The strong turnout, competitive racing and exceptional venue established the inaugural N/a’ankusê event as an important addition to Namibia’s growing gravel cycling calendar.
