Back in the saddle for Khomas100
Hollard Insurance announced the renewing its sponsorship of the Khomas100, which now serves as both the Namibian National Gravel Championships and the African Continental Gravel Championship for 2025.In an exciting development that places both the race and Namibian gravel biking firmly on the international map, race organiser Anri Parker confirmed that the race has been afforded UCI Gravel World Series qualifier status, with winners earning a spot at the UCI Gravel World Championships to be held in Europe in October.
Speaking at the launch in Windhoek, Parker announced that the 157km race will carry prize money of N$250 000 and will this year start at Cymot in Kleine Kuppe, rather than the Tony Rust Race Track, last year’s starting point.
“For those riders for whom a hundred miles is simply too much, we’ll also have 84km and 44km options, and all events are open to gravel bike, mountain bike and e-bike enthusiasts,” said Parker. Parker thanked all of the sponsors involved, including Hollard, NWR, Indongo Toyota, Namibian Breweries' Heineken 0.0, and 226ERS.
Hollard Namibia CEO Jaco Lamprecht said that as headline sponsor, he is proud to be associated with this world-class event and even prouder to showcase Namibia’s natural beauty.
Dream realised
“This race has been a dream for a while, and for it to have achieved the status it has in only its second year, is remarkable. We’d like to thank our fellow sponsors, along with the Namibian Cycling Federation and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture for helping us bring this incredible event to life.”
Echoing Lamprecht’s sentiments, president of the Namibian Cycling Federation Tauko Shilongo said, “We are proud of this event – for it to secure a slot on the UCI Calendar in only its second year is a crazy feat. It’s a first of its kind in Africa and has helped put Namibia on the map – cycling is making amazing things possible for the girl and boy child in Namibia”.
Also speaking at the launch, the executive director of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Erastus Haitengela said that the Ministry is proud to be involved with initiatives that demonstrate Namibia’s potential to host world-class events. “We continue to demonstrate our support in providing athletes with the tools they need to succeed and are proud to be furthering cycling development in Namibia. We are excited to be part of the cycling partnerships that enable the country to achieve lasting change and opportunity for growth through sport.”
The race takes place on Saturday, 23 August and entries open today at khomas100.com.na (or you can go directly to Events Today). Every tenth Namibian rider entering the race today will have their race entry cost refunded, with the lucky riders being refunded tomorrow.