Nedbank National Time Trials and Road Race to take place this weekend

5 February 2025 

The 2025 Nedbank National Individual Time Trials (ITT) and Road Race will take place on 7 and 9 February respectively along the Matchless Mine Road in Windhoek.

The event, which is the first national race of the year, will see cyclists take on the route with hopes of being crowned the 2025 national champions and receive the Namibian national road cycling kit, which they will wear when representing the country at regional and international competitions.

Nedbank Namibia, in partnership with the Namibian Cycling Federation (NCF), have prepared for the event which will bring together the nation’s top cyclists, showcasing their talent and determination on the road. In 2024, the event saw thrilling performances, with Vera Looser  clinching the women’s title in the individual time trials and road race, while Alex Miller, and Drikus Coetzee dominated the men’s category in the road race and individual time trials respectively.

This year, the races will see cyclists take on the categories which include, elite and u23, junior men and women, sub-vet men and women, vet men and women, master men and women, grand master men and women, u16 boys and girls, u14 boys and girls, u12 boys and girls, u10 boys and girls.

Nedbank Namibia has long been a champion of sports development in the country, and its involvement in cycling continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing talent. Selma Kaulinge, Nedbank Namibia’s Communication Manager, emphasized the importance of the bank’s support:

“At Nedbank, we believe in empowering Namibians to achieve their dreams. Our partnership with the Namibian Cycling Federation is a testament to our commitment to fostering excellence in sports. Cycling is not just a sport; it’s a platform for unity, health, and national pride. As money experts who do good, we are proud to be part of this journey and look forward to seeing our cyclists shine on both the national and international stages.”

Namibia continues to solidify its position as one of Africa’s leading cycling nations. Currently ranked fourth and 12th in the women and men’s road racing categories in Africa, Namibian cyclists have consistently delivered outstanding performances on the continental stage. According to recent African cycling statistics, Namibia boasts one of the highest participation rates in international competitions per capita, reflecting the country’s dedication to the sport.

National cycling events like the Nedbank National Time Trials and Road Race play a crucial role in providing cyclists with the accreditation needed to compete internationally. These events are sanctioned by the NCF and recognised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), ensuring that participants earn valuable points to place them in favorable positions when cycling at international  competitions.

The year 2024 was a landmark year for Namibian cycling. The nation celebrated several milestones, including Alex Miller’s historic gold medal at the African Continental Championships, Vera Looser became the first lady in history, from Namibia, to finish a Olympic road race, Namibia being the first African Nation over the line at the World Marathon Championships in USA in both Male and Female categories, and the successful hosting of the Nedbank Desert Dash, which attracted over 1 000 participants from across the globe.

President of the Namibian Cycling Federation, Tauko Shilongo, praised the growth of the sport and the role of national events in shaping future champions.

“Namibia’s cycling achievements are a source of immense pride for our nation. Our consistent ranking among the top cycling nations in Africa is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches, and sponsors like Nedbank. National events like the Nedbank Time Trials and Road Race are critical in providing our cyclists with the platform to excel and earn the accreditation needed to compete internationally. We are excited to see what the future holds for Namibian cycling,” Shilongo said.

The Nedbank Namibia National Time Trials and Road Race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with cyclists vying for top honors and the opportunity to represent Namibia on the global stage. The ITT will start at 15h00, and the road race will start at 06h30. 

Spectators are encouraged to come out and support the riders as they push their limits and inspire the next generation of cycling champions.

Prize giving will be on Sunday, 9 February, at the Nedbank Namibia Campus, Sky Garden, 7th Floor from 14H00.

For more information, please contact info@namcf.org.