The 2026 Nedbank Desert Dash has officially been launched, with a record 235 solo riders registered for the gruelling 401-kilometre mountain bike race from Windhoek to Swakopmund on 11 and 12 December.
Recognised as the world’s longest single-stage mountain bike race, the event will challenge more than 1,000 local and international cyclists to cross the Namib Desert within a strict 24-hour limit.
Speaking at launch, Nedbank Namibia Managing Director Martha Murorua said the event had grown from a bold local cycling challenge into one of Africa’s most recognised ultra-endurance mountain biking events.
She said the race promotes economic growth, sports tourism and national unity while showcasing Namibia’s landscapes to an international audience. “The Nedbank Desert Dash showcases Namibia’s diverse landscapes and sporting ambition.
It places our country firmly on the international cycling map,” Murorua said. Leander Borg of LEMA Events confirmed that preparations for the race were well underway, with participants able to enter the solo full or half dash, two-person full or half team races, and the four-person full dash. Swiss cyclist Konny Looser, a 10-time participant and eight-time winner, will return to the event.
Germany’s Andreas Seewald, the 2026 mountain bike world champion, is also expected to compete for the second consecutive year. Borg said the half-dash continued to attract strong interest. For the second year running, solo cyclists will start first at 14:00, followed by two-person teams at 14:30 and four-person teams at 15:00.
The staggered starts are designed to limit drafting advantages between categories. Swakopmund Deputy Mayor Eugenia Salomon said the coastal town was proud to host the finish of an event that supports tourism, local businesses and economic opportunities. She described the journey through the desert as a test of endurance and resilience that also promotes Namibia as an adventure tourism destination.
Nedbank Namibia is the headline sponsor, with Indongo Toyota, Hollard, Paratus, SuperSpar Maerua and The Grove Mall supporting the event as co-sponsors. The countdown is now on for another demanding ride across the desert, ending on Namibia’s Atlantic coast. Photo contributed.
By Rudi Bowe
