Longest Desert Dash yet to celebrate 20th edition
Mountain biking
Over 900 participants have entered, including 190 solo riders.
Nedbank Namibia officially launched the 20th edition of the Nedbank Desert Dash, widely regarded as the world’s longest 24-hour single-stage mountain bike race, at a ceremony in Windhoek yesterday. The 2024 edition will be another memorable event, as mountain bikers from the newly extended 401-kilometre route from Windhoek to Swakopmund, crossing the inhospitable Namib Desert.
Adding just four kilometres to last year’s distance of 397 km would push the Desert Dash past 400 km for the first time in its history.
The iconic race, presenting a significant test of riders’ physical and psychological limits, will start off on 6 December at the Grove Mall in Windhoek and will culminate at the Platz Am Meer Mall in Swakopmund the next day.
Riders have exactly 24 hours to conquer the route, and this year’s milestone event has attracted over 900 participants (solo riders, two-person teams and four-person teams) from all over the world.
A total of 190 cyclists have registered for the solo race, 160 cyclists will compete in the two-person team category, and 624 cyclists will ride as part of four-person teams. Additionally, the e-bike category, introduced last year, has grown to 15 participants, each riding an e-bike as part of four-person teams.
Two years ago, the race organizers introduced an age category Half Dash for solo riders over 50 years old, starting at midnight from Bloedkoppie to Swakopmund. This category has now been extended to also allow two-person teams for 2024 for the Half Dash, open to participants aged 16 and above, allowing even more cyclists to experience the thrill of the race.
Positive impact
During her keynote address, the deputy minister of sport, youth, and national service, Dr. Emma Kantema-Gaomas, highlighted the event's significance.
“As we celebrate this milestone event, let us recognize that the Nedbank Desert Dash has become more than just a cycling race – it has become a symbol of Namibia’s potential. It is a beacon of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors collaborate towards a shared vision,” she said.
She acknowledged the event’s positive impact on Namibia’s sports tourism industry, noting that through global reputation it not only attracts hundreds of participants, but also draws visitors eager to explore the country’s scenic beauty.
Nedbank Namibia’s managing director, Martha Murorua, expressed pride in the event’s growth and its ability to attract cyclists from around the world.
“The Nedbank Desert Dash has become one of the most prestigious cycling events globally, with participants traveling from various countries to take on this unique challenge in the Namib Desert,” Murorua stated.
With an exciting new route and added categories, the 2024 Nedbank Desert Dash is set to be a memorable celebration of endurance, embracing personal challenges, teamwork and Namibia’s spectacular landscapes.
Iconic riders
At 34 years old, Konny Looser of Switzerland extended his unequaled success at the Desert Dash last year, winning his seventh solo title in nine years, riding for Indongo Toyota.
The 2023 women’s solo race, Namibia’s Belinda van Rhyn (Mannie’s Bike Mecca) celebrated her first win ahead of Nina Holtrup of Germany and Rebecca van Huyssteen of South Africa.