The 2025 edition of the popular Nedbank Desert Dash, which takes place in the world’s oldest desert, the Namib, has seen an influx of foreign cyclists in the event, says Nedbank Namibia spokesperson Gernot de Klerk.
De Klerk recently told Desert FM that there were approximately 250 to 300 cyclists who came from across Namibia’s borders.
“A large contingent comes from South African riders but this year we have seenan increase of entries from overseas. Out of a thousand cyclists, 400 of them will carry passports that are not Namibian passports.
“So for us, it is always about striking that unique balance. We still want to maintain a unique Namibian identity to encourage Namibians to participate,” he said.
He said the appeal of the Nedbank Desert Dash lies in the many stories told by those who attend and cycle through it.
“That unique experience is something that you cannot replicate or you can replicate in only a few areas of the world. However, none of them will be the world oldest anyway,” De Klerk added.
He noted that a number of the participants are from Germany, and highlighted the fact that foreign participants inject money into the Namibian economy when they travel to the country.
“Having to take flights into Namibia, rental cars and accommodation. You are not coming to cycle over a couple of days, you will extend your stay, therefore, there are other investments into our economy,” he said.
“We have the pleasure and privilege to take 1 000 cyclists throughout the Namibian desert, having all the support they need for the long 401km journey to their final destination safely,” De Klerk added.
“Its a singular experience of going through an ancient desert – the world’s oldest desert.”
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