The Nedbank Desert Dash comes of age 

The Nedbank Desert Dash reaches a special milestone this year when it celebrates its 21st edition on 5-6 December.

The first edition was held in 2005 and since then it has continued through thick and thin, becoming one of Namibia’s premier sporting events in the process.

It covers about 400km from Windhoek, traversing the Khomas Hochland and through the Namib Desert down to Swakopmund at the coast, making it the world’s longest single-stage mountain bike race, while the unique landscape and ultimate challenge has made it a much sought-after event amongst international endurance riders.

Riders from all over the world, ranging from Africa and Europe to the Americas and Australia have competed in the Dash, while this year’s field of just just over 1 000 entries will once again have a fair share of foreign riders.

Speaking at the launch, the director of sport in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Jo-Ann Manuel, said the Nedbank Desert Dash event had become an iconic event.

“Hosting the Nedbank Desert Dash for 21 years is a remarkable achievement that requires hard work, innovation, dedication, and passion. This is more than a race; it is a true test of endurance, mental strength, and human spirit. The Nedbank Desert Dash is not only about sport; it creates economic impact through transactions by cyclists, teams, and fans at various touch points. It stimulates business in Windhoek and Swakopmund,” she said.

Manuel also highlighted Namibia’s recent sporting achievements, such as the the national cricket team defeating South Africa’s Proteas in a T20 international match; and the Namibian cyclists winning their age categories at the Nedbank Gravel Burn in South Africa, as proof of Namibia’s growing presence in global sport.

She said the ministry plays a vital role in making sure sport development is inclusive, and talent identification gives opportunities to all Namibians.

Manuel praised cycling, saying it is one of the top sporting codes in Namibia.

“I always refer people to three sporting codes in Namibia and that is cricket, aquatic sports and cycling. All three won medals at the 2024 Africa Games, and they are all doing very well. Cycling surprised us – they got a silver medal at the World MTB Championships, and they are also transforming, if you look at the success of young cyclists like Olivia Shililifa and now with Tauko Shikongo also being the president of the Namibia Cycling Federation.

“That’s what we want – transformation in the team, and transformation in the leadership,” she said.

The event will start on Friday, 5 December, at Grove Mall in Windhoek and will cover 401km till the finish line at Platz Am Meer Waterfront at Swakopmund the next day, while the race will have a cut-off time of 24 hours.

Event organiser Leander Borg said the solo riders will start one hour ahead of the rest, while this year’s race will see innovation with time trial aero bars being allowed for the first time in the solo category, which would allow cyclists to adopt a more aerodynamic position, reducing wind resistance and increasing speed.

JG van Graan of Nedbank Namibia said the event has grown into something far more than just a sporting event.

“With Nedbank’s continued investment and leadership, it has become a meaningful contributor to Namibia’s national development agenda. The event injects over N$25 million into the local economy annually, stimulating businesses in Windhoek and Swakopmund and creating opportunities across sectors, from hospitality to logistics.

“It has positioned Namibia as a premier destination for sports tourism, which is one of the fastest-growing global industries, and a key driver of economic diversification,” he said.

“What sets the Nedbank Deseert Dash apart is the calibre of its organisation. Every detail, from route planning and safety logisticsto timing systems and rider support, is executed to international standards.

“This level of professionalism is what draws elite and amateur cyclists from across the globe to Namibia each year,” Van Graan said.

“It’s not just the challenge of the terrain that attracts them, but the confidence in the event’s quality, consistency and integrity. The Nedbank Desert Dash is known for some of the best endurance racing in Africa, and has truly elevated Namibia’s profile on the global cycling stage.”

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