Greatest ride under the sun launched
37th edition of the Nedbank Cycle Challenge
Nedbank Namibia launched the 2023 edition of its longest-running cycling event, the Nedbank Cycle Challenge this morning.Speaking at the event, Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service, Honourable Agnes Tjongarero, commended Nedbank for the bank’s contribution to cycling in Namibia.
“Sporting competitions play a vital role in the development of our nation. They bring people together, promote a healthy lifestyle, and foster a sense of national pride. The Nedbank Cycle Challenge is a prime example of this principle, as it not only showcases the beauty of our nation but also encourages Namibians to lead active lifestyles and take on personal challenges.
“As the Minister of Sport, I am proud to say that sport in Namibia is thriving. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches, and administrators, who have proven time and time again that they have what it takes to compete on the world stage,” she said.
Doing good
Also speaking at the launch, Nedbank Namibia Chief Financial Officer, JG van Graan, said that the Nedbank Namibia team is proud to be part of an organisation that actively and intentionally sets out to do good in the communities that it serves.
“For 37 years we've sponsored this competitive cycling event, which has helped foster some truly spectacular bikers-in-the-making over time. We have welcomed more than 1 000 riders in recent years, making this one of Namibia’s most outstanding showcases in the area of athletics.
“Namibia's growing reputation as an enthusiastic cycling nation in Africa has seen the country participating in the Olympic Games and hosting the African Continental Mountain Bike (MTB) Championships, as well as races sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI),” Van Graan said.
“We look forward to working with our co-sponsors and partners to elevate the calibre of sports in Namibia. We also recognise the importance of working with the government to achieve our goals. We are honoured to have our Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service represented here today, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to promote and develop cycling in Namibia,” Van Graan concluded.
Details
The Nedbank Cycle Challenge, dubbed the “Greatest ride under the sun”, saw its debut in 1986 and is one of the oldest competitive cycling races in Namibia. Last year featured over 750 cyclists taking part in varied distances of 20 km, 30 km, 60 km, and 100 km. This year’s race which will take place on Sunday, 12 February 2023, will have the same race distance categories, starting at the Nedbank Campus and concluding on Independence Avenue in front of the Zoo Park.
Entries are now open, and cyclists can visit www.nedbank.com.na or www.paytoday.com.na. Registration for the Nedbank Cycle Challenge takes place on Saturday, 11 February at the Nedbank Campus.
Co-sponsors are the Windhoek Pedal Power Cycling Club, Coca-Cola Namibia, Namibia Health Plan, and PayToday.
For more information on entries, contact Brian Key at [email protected]