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Large field for Desert Dash


AT the end of the punishing 2022 Nedbank Desert Dash “what will stay with you is an overwhelming sense of achievement and stories of grit for a lifetime”.

That was the central message from the event’s organisers during yesterday’s launch of the 2022 edition of the uniquely Namibian race.

Nearly 800 cyclists from 17 different countries will take part in this year’s Nedbank Desert Dash, with foreign interest in the popular event coming from The Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, USA, Germany, Canada, Germany, Zimbabwe, Britain, Australia, Italy, Switzerland, Botswana, Malawi, DR Congo, France and Austria.

Another epic Namibian adventure is expected when the gruelling cycling race starts in Windhoek on 9 December, taking in hostile and scenic terrain, before concluding at Swakopmund the following day.

“There are many global cycling events, however, the Desert Dash is one of a kind,” said Nedbank chief financial officer JG van Graan.

“What makes it special is not only the fact that it’s the longest single stage mountain-bike race in the world, or because of the true test of endurance that requires its challengers to be able to race and complete the 24 gruelling hours,” he said.

“What gives the Nedbank Desert Dash its uniqueness is the fact that it covers over 393 kilometres between Windhoek and Swakopmund, across the Khomas Hochland and through the unforgiving yet breathtaking Namib Desert. This is the backdrop that belongs to no other cycling race, and that is why the Nedbank Desert Dash is like no other,” Van Graan said.

Swakopmund mayor Dina Namubes said the Desert Dash’s ability to attract an international audience and participants was priceless for the country.

“As a town which relies on tourism, we are proud to welcome all our visitors who will make a positive contribution to the development of our country,” she said.

Namibia’s Tristan de Lange ended six-time Desert Dash winner Konny Looser’s monopoly on honours when he edged the Swiss national by a second to claim the top prize after 14 hours and 55 minutes of riding in 2021.

Irene Steyn won the women’s category in 19 hours and 25 minutes and 43 seconds.

A total of 107 riders managed to complete the race within the 24-hour cut-off time, but a total of 80 riders pulled out and failed to finish the race.

“This race has done more for Namibia on the tourism side than any other event because its got a national flavour and it’s growing all the time,” said Indongo Automotive Group general manager Willie Verdoes.

“I’ve done the Dash myself, and I can assure you it’s extremely tough. So, if you’d like to participate, you must really get your head around it. It’s not only about talent and skill, it’s more about the fact that you must really be emotionally and physically prepared,” Verdoes said on what it takes to complete the challenging course.

Indongo Toyota are the vehicle sponsors of the competition. Other notable sponsors include Hollard and SuperSpar (Maerua and Grove), with Lema Events coordinating proceedings.

“You will find some stages extremely tough and then it becomes a case of mind over matter,” Verdoes said.

“There will be a lot of successful riders, but there will be some that will not make it. I can promise you that. It’s starts during day time and you cycling during the night before finishing in the day time again at Swakopmund.





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