Nedbank Desert Dash gears up for 22nd edition

Nedbank Namibia launched the 22nd edition of its annual cycling event, the Nedbank Desert Dash, yesterday in Windhoek. The popular 401 km cycling event is slated for 21-22 December 2026 from Windhoek to Swakopmund.

This year’s edition is expected to test the grit, endurance and determination of more than a thousand local and international cyclists as they take on the iconic race through the Namib Desert, which is regarded as the world’s longest single-stage mountain bike race.

Speaking at the launch, Nedbank Namibia managing director Martha Murorua said that what began as a bold Namibian cycling challenge had grown into one of Africa’s most recognised ultra-endurance mountain biking events.

“The Nedbank Desert Dash showcases Namibia’s diverse landscapes and sporting ambition. It firmly places our country on the international cycling map, attracting growing interest from around the world, and, importantly, from across the Land of the Brave. Each year, cyclists from Africa, Europe, North America and beyond travel to take on one of the world’s most distinctive endurance challenges,” she said.

She further stated that the event showcases Namibia’s diverse landscapes and places the country on the international cycling map, attracting growing interest from around the world and across Namibia.

“Namibia’s cycling calendar now spans road cycling, mountain biking, gravel racing, BMX, endurance events and recreational rides. The sport has expanded nationwide and continues to leave its mark in Namibia,” said Murorua.

One of the event organisers, Leander Borg of LEMA Events, outlined the race categories, which include the solo full and half dash, two-person full and half-dash teams, and four-person full-dash teams.

Borg also announced that 235 solo riders had already registered for this year’s event, a record for the category. He added that the half-dash continued to attract growing interest.

The event will once again feature Swiss cyclist Konny Looser, a 10-time participant and eight-time winner, as well as German rider Andreas Seewald, the 2026 mountain bike world champion, who will return for the second consecutive year.

For the second year running, solo riders will start first at 14:00 to reduce the chance of team riders catching leading solo cyclists or benefiting from drafting. Two-person teams will follow at 14:30, and four-person teams will start at 15:00.

Swakopmund deputy mayor Eugenia Salomon said the coastal town was proud to host the event, which has become one of Namibia’s most iconic sporting fixtures over the past two decades.

“As the town of Swakopmund, we take great pride in this event because, beyond sporting achievement, the race promotes tourism, supports local businesses, creates economic opportunities, and positions Namibia as a world-class adventure tourism destination,” Salomon said.

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