Excitement Builds for 2023 Nedbank Namibia National Marathon Championships

By Dilia Mazula

Windhoek, Namibia – The cycling community in Namibia is abuzz with anticipation as the 2023 Nedbank Namibia National Marathon Championships (XCM) gears up to kick off this Saturday, November 25, at the IJG Trails in Windhoek.

Organized by the Rock and Rut Mountain Bike Club in collaboration with the Namibian Cycling Federation, this year’s event promises to be a spectacle, with over 60 cyclists gearing up to tackle the challenging trails. The competition is set to unfold in separate divisions for men and women across various race categories, including e-bikes, sub veterans, veterans, masters, juniors, and under-16s.

One notable addition to this year’s championship is the introduction of a national title for the e-bike category for elite men and women cyclists. Elanor Grassow from the Namibian Cycling Federation expressed her excitement about this new development, highlighting its significance on the Namibian cycling calendar.

“At the Namibian Cycling Federation, we are excited for this edition of the XCM races because, for the first time ever, we will have a national title for the e-bike category for elite men and women cyclists,” said Grassow.

The overall winners in the XCM MTB elite races have more than just bragging rights at stake. They will walk away with crucial Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) points, reinforcing Namibia’s standing on the international cycling stage. Additionally, they will be honored with Namibian National Champion titles and receive jerseys to proudly represent Namibia in future international competitions.

Nedbank Namibia’s Communication and Public Relations Manager, Selma Kaulinge, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event. “We are gearing up for the Nedbank Namibia National XCM race this coming Saturday, and, because it’s the final face before our coveted Nedbank Desert Dash, the event will be nothing short of thrilling,” said Kaulinge. “From Nedbank Namibia, we would like to thank each contributing partner for their efforts to make this event a success.”

The races are scheduled to commence at 06:20 am, starting with the e-bike category. Cyclists interested in participating can contact the Namibian Cycling Federation at info@namcf.org for more information.

As the final race before the prestigious Nedbank Desert Dash, the 2023 Nedbank Namibia National Marathon Championships promises not only intense competition but also a celebration of endurance and skill within the cycling community. Stay tuned for a thrilling display of athleticism and teamwork as cyclists navigate the twists and turns of the challenging trails at IJG Trails this Saturday.