Niël Terblanché
The Khomas100 gravel cycling race has earned a place on the international sporting calendar, following confirmation that the 2025 edition will not only serve as the Namibian National Gravel Championships but also as the African Continental Gravel Championship.
In addition, it has been granted qualifier status for the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Gravel World Series, with top riders securing a coveted spot at the UCI Gravel World Championships in Europe this October.
The news was announced at the official launch of the 2025 event at Hollard Namibia’s offices in Windhoek.
Hollard has renewed its headline sponsorship of the race, with support from Namibian Breweries, Namibia Wildlife Resorts, Indongo Toyota, and nutrition brand 226ERS.
Race organiser Anri Parker described the developments as an affirmation of the event’s growing stature.
“The race has been afforded UCI Gravel World Series qualifier status, with winners earning a spot at the UCI Gravel World Championships to be held in Europe in October,” she said.
Parker confirmed that the 2025 race, scheduled for Saturday, 23 August, will offer N$250,000 in prize money and will start at Cymot in Kleine Kuppe.
This marks a departure from last year’s starting point at the Tony Rust Race Track.
Parker also reiterated the inclusive nature of the event.
“For those riders for whom a hundred miles is simply too much, we’ll once again also have 84 km and 44 km options, and all events are open to gravel bike, mountain bike and e-bike enthusiasts,” she said.
Hollard Namibia’s chief executive officer, Jaco Lamprecht, expressed pride in supporting an event that showcases the country’s natural beauty and contributes to its international reputation.
“This race has been a dream for a while, and for it to have achieved the status it has in only its second year is remarkable. We’d like to thank our fellow sponsors, along with the Namibian Cycling Federation and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture for helping us bring this incredible event to life,” he said.
Tauko Shilongo, President of the Namibian Cycling Federation, said the event’s recognition by UCI was a major achievement for Namibian sport.
“It’s a first of its kind in Africa and has helped put Namibia on the map – cycling is making amazing things possible for the girl and boy child in Namibia.”
The Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Erastus Haitengela, said that the race offered more than just competitive sport.
“The Ministry is proud to be involved with initiatives that demonstrate Namibia’s potential to host world-class events. We are excited to be part of the cycling partnerships that enable the country to achieve lasting change and opportunity for growth through sport,” he said.
This year’s race provides local cyclists with an opportunity not only to compete for national and continental honours, but also to qualify for the global stage.
The race, which runs from the outskirts of Windhoek to Okahandja, is known for its fast-paced terrain and tough climbs, covering approximately 157 kilometres and a total elevation gain of around 2,000 metres.
