More than 200 cyclists gathered recently in Karibib on Saturday for the 2026 Navachab Gold Rush Mountain Biking Challenge, tackling demanding terrain and a unique route that offered riders rare access to the operational QKR Navachab Gold Mine.

Organised in collaboration with the Namibian Cycling Federation, the event featured 35km and 70km races, with both routes starting and finishing at Die Skuur.

The 35km route took participants to the mine entrance before returning, while the longer 70km challenge led riders inside the mining area, giving them an unusual opportunity to experience the working mine from their bicycles.

The event combined endurance racing with a distinctive setting, attracting cyclists competing across elite, veteran, masters and junior categories. In the 70km Marathon, Ingram Cuff won the Veteran Men category in 2:28:11, while Danzel De Koe took the Sub Veteran Men title in 2:31:35. Tristan de Lange claimed victory in the Male Elite category in 2:31:36.

Lelani Swart won the Sub Veteran Women category in 3:43:14, while Elanor Grassow claimed the Masters Women title in the same time. The 35km race saw Frikkie van Greunen senior win the Male category in 1:46:53, with Christiane Thiessen taking the Female title in 2:18:15.

Aidan de Lange won the 35km Open Men category in 2:08:26, ahead of Junior Beukes and Ben Saayman. Charly Taylor claimed the Open Women title in 2:41:16, followed by Anna Nashidengo and Maike Mohr.

In the Male 12–16 category, Dario De Koe finished first in 2:10:24, followed by Ethan Groenewald and Izak Wessels. Bea Venter won the Female 12–16 category in 4:27:11.

With participation exceeding 200 cyclists, organisers will look to build on this year’s turnout and establish the Navachab Gold Rush Mountain Biking Challenge as an annual fixture on Namibia’s cycling calendar. Photo Credits: QKR Navachab Gold Mine

By Rudi Bowe