Nedbank Namibia Launches the 20th edition of the Nedbank Desert Dash

08 October 2024 Nedbank Namibia officially launched the 2024 Nedbank Desert Dash in Windhoek today. Dubbed as the world's longest single-staged mountain bike race, the Nedbank Desert Dash celebrates it’s 20th anniversary this year.

The Nedbank Desert Dash is a mountainbike event where cyclists are given 24 hours to complete  the race which goes from Windhoek to Swakpmund crossing the Namib Desert. To celebrate 20 years of the Nedbank Desert Dash, this year the race has increased to 401 km.

The race will start on 6 December at the Grove Mall in Windhoek and conclude in Swakopmund’s Platz Am Meer Mall on 7 December.

Over 900 cyclists have registered to participate, with 160 cyclists participating in the two-man teams, 624 in the four-person teams, and 190 cyclists riding solo. This year, 15 cyclists will participate in the e-bike category for four-person teams, where each cyclist will be required to ride an e-bike for the second year running.

The organisers have introduced a new age category for cyclists over 50 years for the solo dash, and the prize money for first, second, and third finishers, which will be given to both females and males in this category.

They will be cycling from the Halfway Point to the finish line in Swakopmund.

In addition, the organisers have also introduced the two-person half dash, which has no age restrictions except the minimum age of 16.

In her keynote address at the launch of the event, the Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service, Honourable Dr. Emma Kantema-Gaomas, said: “As we celebrate this milestone event, let us recognise 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 version.”

The honourable Minster added: “The Nedbank Desert Dash has significant contributed to Namibia’s sports tourism industry. The global attention brought by this event attracts hundreds of visitors each year, who not only come compete but also to explore the beauty of our country.”

Nedbank Namibia’s Managing Director Martha Murorua said the event has grown to become one of the biggest in the world, attracting participants from all over the world.

“As we reflect on this journey, it’s important to recognise that the Nedbank Desert Dash has become one of the most sought after cycling events on the continent. For the past decade, Nedbank has proudly supported Namibian cycling. Nedbank has been a long-term sponsor of key cycling events, most notably the Nedbank Cycle Challenge and the Nedbank Desert Dash. These sponsorships have helped elevate the profile of cycling in Namibia and continues to attract international participants. Following Nedbank’s support, Namibian cyclists have significantly increased their participation in international competitions. Athletes like Alex Miller and Vera Looser have represented Namibia on international platforms, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. Alex has gone on to excel at the African Continental Championships, showcasing the talent that Namibia has to offer, while Vera Looser has  once again put Namibia on the world map when she recently won the UCI Cross country Marathon World Cup series in the USA, inspiring many with her dedication and skill,” Murorua said.

“At Nedbank, our commitment to being “money experts who do good” is clearly reflected in our support for the Nedbank Desert Dash. This is more than a sponsorship; it’s a partnership rooted in the belief that together, we can drive positive change, uplift communities, and build a healthier society,” she concluded.

Nedbank Namibia has over the past 35 years been a pillar of the cycling community in the country, supporting various cycling events including the Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power Race Series, the Nedbank Rock n Rut XC Series, and the Nedbank Cycle Challenge, amongst others.

The event is proudly sponsored by Nedbank Namibia and co-sponsored by SuperSpar (Maerua and The Grove), Indongo Toyota, Trek and Hollard.

This monumental edition of the race also saw the launch of the bank’s new vehicle asset financing offering for the Toyota Fortuner and Hilux Double Cab vehicles. The offering, which is in partnership with Indongo Toyota, includes favourable interest rates and a structured repayment plan for Nedbank and non-Nedbank clients. It will run until January 2025.