Nedbank’s 21st Desert Dash officially launched
Moutain-biking
Nedbank Namibia officially launched the 21st edition of the Nedbank Desert Dash yesterday, confirming that the 401 km race from Windhoek to Swakopmund across the Namib Desert will take place from 5 to 6 December 2025.
Speaking at the launch in Windhoek, sports director Jo-Ann Manuel, hailed the Nedbank Desert Dash as the world’s longest single-stage mountain bike race.
“Hosting the Nedbank Desert Dash for 21 years is a remarkable achievement that requires hard work, innovation, dedication and passion. This is more than a race - it is a true test of endurance, mental strength and human spirit. The Nedbank Desert Dash is not only about sports - it also creates economic impact through transactions by cyclists, teams and fans, stimulating business in Windhoek and Swakopmund,” said Manuel.
She highlighted Namibia’s recent sporting successes, including the Namibia cricket team’s victory over the South African Proteas in a Twenty-20 match and Namibian cyclists winning age categories at the Nedbank Gravel Burn in South Africa, as evidence of the country’s growing presence in global sport. Manuel emphasised that the Ministry is committed to inclusive sports development and talent identification for all Namibians.
The 24-hour race will see over 1 000 cyclists from around the world traverse the Namib Desert, starting at The Grove Mall in Windhoek and finishing at the Platz Am Meer Waterfront in Swakopmund. The 401 km route must be completed within 24 hours. Registration opened in June and closed in September.
Swakopmund mayor Blasius Goraseb, said the Nedbank Desert Dash has become one of Namibia’s most iconic sporting events. “For Swakopmund, it represents a significant moment in our tourism and economic calendar. The race stimulates economic activity for small businesses and showcases the unique beauty and warmth of our coastal community. We are grateful to Nedbank Namibia and its partners for promoting sports, tourism and environmental sustainability,” he added.
Often compared to the Dakar Rally on two wheels, cyclists will compete in the following categories:
Solo Dash (full and half)
two-person team dash (full and half)
four-person team dash (full)
This year introduces a notable enhancement: Aero Bars will be allowed for the first time, exclusively in the full solo category. These handlebar extensions enable riders to adopt a more aerodynamic position, reducing wind resistance and conserving energy.
Event organiser Leander Borg of LEMA Events confirmed that solo riders will start earlier, at 14:00, to avoid being influenced by team dynamics, particularly the “slipping” technique used by teams to shield themselves from the wind.
Start times for other categories are: two-person teams (14:30), four-person teams (15:00).
Nedbank Namibia’s chief commercial officer, JG van Graan, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the event and introduced its new brand campaign, #GetMoneyFit, which focuses on financial health. “The habits that make us physically strong are the same that make us financially strong. Consistency, intention and daily effort lead to transformation. That’s what #GetMoneyFit is about—it’s a philosophy, not a product,” he said.
Nedbank Namibia, alongside Indongo Toyota, also unveiled a refreshed Desert Dash vehicle asset finance campaign offering competitive rates on selected vehicles.
The Nedbank Desert Dash continues to elevate cycling in Namibia, attracting participants and spectators from countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, South Africa, the USA and Germany. It injects millions of dollars annually into the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants and SMEs in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Headline sponsor Nedbank Namibia is joined by co-sponsors Indongo Toyota, Hollard, Paratus, SuperSpar Maerua and The Grove, alongside numerous event partners.
Speaking at the launch in Windhoek, sports director Jo-Ann Manuel, hailed the Nedbank Desert Dash as the world’s longest single-stage mountain bike race.
“Hosting the Nedbank Desert Dash for 21 years is a remarkable achievement that requires hard work, innovation, dedication and passion. This is more than a race - it is a true test of endurance, mental strength and human spirit. The Nedbank Desert Dash is not only about sports - it also creates economic impact through transactions by cyclists, teams and fans, stimulating business in Windhoek and Swakopmund,” said Manuel.
She highlighted Namibia’s recent sporting successes, including the Namibia cricket team’s victory over the South African Proteas in a Twenty-20 match and Namibian cyclists winning age categories at the Nedbank Gravel Burn in South Africa, as evidence of the country’s growing presence in global sport. Manuel emphasised that the Ministry is committed to inclusive sports development and talent identification for all Namibians.
The 24-hour race will see over 1 000 cyclists from around the world traverse the Namib Desert, starting at The Grove Mall in Windhoek and finishing at the Platz Am Meer Waterfront in Swakopmund. The 401 km route must be completed within 24 hours. Registration opened in June and closed in September.
Swakopmund mayor Blasius Goraseb, said the Nedbank Desert Dash has become one of Namibia’s most iconic sporting events. “For Swakopmund, it represents a significant moment in our tourism and economic calendar. The race stimulates economic activity for small businesses and showcases the unique beauty and warmth of our coastal community. We are grateful to Nedbank Namibia and its partners for promoting sports, tourism and environmental sustainability,” he added.
Often compared to the Dakar Rally on two wheels, cyclists will compete in the following categories:
Solo Dash (full and half)
two-person team dash (full and half)
four-person team dash (full)
This year introduces a notable enhancement: Aero Bars will be allowed for the first time, exclusively in the full solo category. These handlebar extensions enable riders to adopt a more aerodynamic position, reducing wind resistance and conserving energy.
Event organiser Leander Borg of LEMA Events confirmed that solo riders will start earlier, at 14:00, to avoid being influenced by team dynamics, particularly the “slipping” technique used by teams to shield themselves from the wind.
Start times for other categories are: two-person teams (14:30), four-person teams (15:00).
Nedbank Namibia’s chief commercial officer, JG van Graan, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the event and introduced its new brand campaign, #GetMoneyFit, which focuses on financial health. “The habits that make us physically strong are the same that make us financially strong. Consistency, intention and daily effort lead to transformation. That’s what #GetMoneyFit is about—it’s a philosophy, not a product,” he said.
Nedbank Namibia, alongside Indongo Toyota, also unveiled a refreshed Desert Dash vehicle asset finance campaign offering competitive rates on selected vehicles.
The Nedbank Desert Dash continues to elevate cycling in Namibia, attracting participants and spectators from countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, South Africa, the USA and Germany. It injects millions of dollars annually into the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants and SMEs in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Headline sponsor Nedbank Namibia is joined by co-sponsors Indongo Toyota, Hollard, Paratus, SuperSpar Maerua and The Grove, alongside numerous event partners.
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