Local cyclists look forward to Desert Dash 

Namibian cyclists have expressed excitement for the 21st Nedbank Desert Dash, set to take place from 5 to 6 December.

The race, which will cover 401km across the world’s oldest desert, will start on 5 December at the Grove Mall in Windhoek, and will finish on Saturday, 6 December, at the Platz Am Meer Mall at Swakopmund.

A media statement by Nedbank Namibia says the single-stage mountain bike race will feature over 1 000 local and international cyclists who must complete the race within 24 hours.

Former solo-men’s winner, Drikus Coetzee, says he will be back to compete for the top spot at this year’s event.

“My preparations for this year’s Nedbank Desert Dash have not been ideal. I have been battling an illness for the past two months, meaning I have been on and off the bike. But I believe I have done enough to compete for a win. The goal is to compete for the top spot despite the strong field of cyclists participating.”

This is Coetzee’s 10th time competing in the Nedbank Desert Dash, and his fifth solo race. He previously competed in and won the two-person mixed, the two-man main, and the four-man mixed team competitions.

He adds that winning the dash will be difficult based on the cyclists who have registered to partake in this year’s edition.

Two-time two-person mixed team winner Anri Greef says she is ready for this year’s challenge and is hoping to do better than last year.

“Preparations have gone well. I’m going to put up a strong challenge for the top spot. I also want to enjoy the competition.”

Greef has thanked the organisers for new features like aero bars and solo riders departing earlier than usual.

“I will not be using the aero bars because I am not used to them. I have not trained with them either. However, I am happy that solo riders are starting earlier than the two-person and four-person teams.”

One particular cyclist who is looking forward to this year’s race is sport journalist Hee-Dee Walenga, who says he is excited to be making his debut in the competition.

“I picked up cycling as a hobby a few years back. Now I want to challenge myself and push my body to see how far it can go. It will be a big mental challenge. I know it will be difficult, but I expect us to finish within the prescribed time frame,” he says.

He will be cycling in a two-man team with experienced cyclist PJ Amukushu from Cycle Tech under the support of Nedbank Namibia.

Walenga says Amukushu has been guiding him during training, hence his confidence in finishing the competition, adding that a podium finish will be a bonus.

Looking at the teams, Mannie’s Bike Mecca has entered three four-person teams and one solo rider, which includes seasoned cyclist Irene Steyn, who is a former Nedbank Desert Dash elite woman’s champion.

Team principal Mannie Heymans says they are excited and looking forward to this year’s competition.

“Preparations have been going on well, like the previous years. . . Our main aim is to have fun, and if we get a podium place, that would be a bonus,” he adds.

Another local team, Barloworld Cymot Cycling Team, hopes to make a statement at this year’s event.

Team manager Lotto Petrus says preparations have gone well, and they are aiming for a strong performance, as they are targeting a top 10 finish for their only solo rider, Ananias Ananias, and a podium finish for their four-man team.

“Preparations have gone well, and we also participated in various local and international competitions. We went to Botswana and Swaziland and finished 12th in the Volta a Angola em Bicicleta, an international cycling tour that took place in Angola from 30 October to 9 November. The Volta a Angola em Bicicleta is a 10-stage race.”

Nedbank Namibia chief commercial officer JG van Graan emphasises the deep significance of the event, which is now in its 21st year.

“The Nedbank Desert Dash is the ultimate expression of the human spirit on the Namibian cycling calendar. We watch in awe as each cyclist, whether a seasoned veteran like Irene Steyn or a first-time team rider, commits to this extraordinary undertaking. That commitment, the daily discipline, the planning and the resilience to push through the darkness resonates deeply with Nedbank Namibia’s core values.

“As a bank, we champion the same principles of consistency and determination that are needed to overcome any long-term challenge, be it the 401km of the desert or the journey to financial fitness. Our enduring title sponsorship underscores our dedication to empowering excellence and ensuring this beacon of athletic achievement continues to shine brightly for Namibia and the world.”

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