18th edition of Nedbank Desert Dash gets rolling
The longest single-stage mountain bike event in the world, the Nedbank Desert Dash, returns for its 18th consecutive year.The Nedbank Desert Dash takes place on 9 and 10 December 2022, and sees cyclists depart from the Windhoek Grove Mall on Friday, 9 December, and arrive at Swakopmund’s Platz A Meer on Saturday, 10 December.
The Nedbank Desert Dash is the longest single-stage mountain bike race in the world, where cyclists are given 24 hours to complete the 393km race through the Khomas Hochland Mountains and the Namib Desert, to Swakopmund.
Nedbank Namibia launched the event at the Nedbank Campus earlier today.
Speaking at the event, Nedbank Namibia’s chief financial officer, JG van Graan, reminisced on how the organising of last year’s event was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Last year, we were battling to overcome the challenges of organising sports events during the pandemic, and by divine grace, we are once again launching this epic event without any restrictions or measures to be concerned about – that is something truly to be grateful for and celebrate.”
Nedbank Namibia is the biggest contributor to the local cycling fraternity. The bank’s cycling sponsorships include the Nedbank Cycle Challenge, which has been in existence for over 35 years; the Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power Race Series; the Nedbank Rock n Rut XC Series, and others.
“Nedbank Namibia has been longest corporate supporter of cycling in our country. It has been more than 35 years since our bank gave its first deposit into the investment of cycling in Namibia. Since then, Nedbank has been a consistent sponsor of various cycling events, including the Nedbank Cycle Challenge and the support of a number of cycling clubs in Namibia,” Van Graan added.
To date, Nedbank Namibia invested over N$8 million since it took over the title sponsorship eight years ago. This year, the race has over 900 cyclists registered to race across the three categories which are Solo Men and Woman, Two Person Team, and Four Person Team.
This year, cyclists from 17 different countries will take part in this years’ Nedbank Desert Dash, namely Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, USA, Germany, Canada, Germany, Zimbabwe, UK - Britain, Australia, Italy, Switzerland, Botswana, Malawi, DR Congo, France and Austria.
Swakopmund mayor, Dina Namubes, dialled into the event via a live stream from her office at the coastal.
She applauded Nedbank Namibia on an impeccable job organising this event. “As a town which relies on tourism, we are proud to welcome all our visitors who will make positive contribution to the development of our country,” she said.
The Nedbank Desert Dash is co-sponsored by Indongo Toyota, SuperSpar (Maerua and The Grove), and Hollard.