Nedbank Rock & Rut XC series gets started
Mountain biking
The first event in the Nedbank Rock & Rut cross-country (XC) mountain bike series competition 2025 will kick off at the IJG Trials, also named Farm Windhoek, in Kleine Kuppe this coming Saturday. The series consists of five races that will take place in various venues during the year.
One of the organisers, Michael Hennes, said while it is difficult to predict the number of entrants, they anticipate getting between 100 and 120 cyclists of all ages participating in the first race of the season.
“The registration is already open and can be done through the ChronoTrack link. For all fully paid-up Rock & Rut club members, the race entry fee is included in the membership fee, while any non-members will have to pay an entry fee of N$250. Late entries can be done on race day at the venue at an additional cost of N$150,” Hennes explained.
There will be 12 different race categories available for both men and women.
Hennes said they are anticipating Namibia’s top mountain bike riders to participate in the first race of the season.
“As Rock & Rut, we would like to express our gratitude to our headline sponsor, Nedbank Namibia, for their unwavering support of cycling as a sport over the past 30 years. We anticipate another successful season. Nedbank's sponsorship has significantly contributed to the growth of mountain biking and road cycling in Namibia, providing athletes with opportunities to compete both in South Africa and abroad.”
He pointed out that these efforts culminated in Namibian participation at the 2024 Paris Olympics in France for women’s road racer Vera Looser and men’s mountain bike racer Alex Miller.
Additionally, Roger Surén and Delsia Janse van Vuuren won the UCI junior (U18) continental titles at the 2024 African mountain bike championship in Morocco – indicating that the next generation of riders are ready to step up to the plate.
The defending champions in the R&R series’ elite women’s and men’s categories are Jaen-Marie Mostert and Kevin Lowe.
Lowe will not be available for local races due to his studies in South Africa, while Mostert is expected to participate this weekend and confirmed her intentions to defend her title.
“While I’m currently not as prepared as I was last year, I will give my best shot. It’s a privilege to be the defending champion, because Namibia has a strong field of women’s mountain bikers. There is also a massive upcoming talent in the sport,” Mostert said.
‘Excited to upport’
Nedbank Namibia's communication and public Relations Manager, Selma Kaulinge, said as sponsors, they are excited to support the 2025 Nedbank Rock & Rut cross-country series.
“This series is the cornerstone of the local mountain bike cross-country calendar that continues to showcase the incredible talent and dedication of our riders.
“We encourage all participating cyclists to keep pushing their limits, and we call on parents and fans to rally behind their favourite riders.”
Kaulinge urged the Namibian Cycling Federation (NCF) and clubs to create more opportunities for young and upcoming cyclists, particularly those from previously disadvantaged communities, to ensure a more inclusive and thriving future for the sport.