Organisers predict fireworks at grueling Namib Quest

SPARKS are expected to fly once the flag drops on April 29 for the start of the second annual Windhoek Lager Namib Quest MTB Challenge.

Not only have two teams, fresh from the competing at the Absa Cape Epic confirmed participation, but the organisers of the event African Extreme Promotions (AEP), have also opened the door for development teams.Tinus Hansen of AEP said lively action is anticipated when some determined and experienced riders saddle up for the gruelling multi-stage race of 480 km from Windhoek to Swakopmund over six days. The Quest ends on May 4, and will take the riders via the Khomas Hochland and the Namib plains, mostly on Jeep tracks and single tracks.In the women’s team race the local pairing of evergreen Zoe Mitchell and Ingrid Helm is a factor to be reckoned with, but they will be up against stiff competition from Charmaine ‘Iron Lady’ Shannon and Monica Grossmann.From South Africa the danger will loom in the pairing of Helene Wigget and Wilmarie Jacobs, both experienced stage racers with lots of trophies to showcase.In the men’s team event there are already more than enough bulging quadriceps to make for an adrenalin-pumped race. Locals Johan Fourie and Willem Engelbrecht will be up against compatriot Dirk van Schalkwyk and Heinrich Gildenhuys of South Africa. Fourie, Gildenhuys and Van Schalkwyk all completed the inaugural Namib Quest as solo riders last year and they took part in last week’s Cape Epic. Another team fresh from the Epic is Ludwig Malherbe and Alonero Barnard from South Africa. After their performance in the world’s toughest MTB stage race, other teams can expect an epic duel right to the finishing line.Heinrich Köhne has stormed the local MTB scene by winning every race he has entered this year. He is in top form and will pair up with another local, Christo Swartz, also a fearless contestant.The 2012 development team consists of Jean-Carlo Krohne and Victor Krohne, both employees at Cycles Wholesale and keen cyclists. The team is sponsored by renowned international supplier of building materials Mapei, through their local agents Dynamic Concrete Solutions.The team also received complete sets of top-quality Santini riding gear from Italy.Hansen also confirmed that Cymot has come on board, providing technical and mechanical support. The company has also entered two teams of which one features their CEO Axel Thiesen. Köhne and Swartz will be the other team in the Cymot colours. Cymot’s mechanics will also ensure that all cogs keep running smoothly throughout the event.For more information visit www.africanextremepromotions.com