Niël Terblanché
A new addition to Namibia’s sporting calendar has been unveiled, with the official launch of the Namport Nedbank PH Challenge, in collaboration with the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival.
The event, which aims to promote cycling and wellness, was announced in Lüderitz earlier in March, where stakeholders gathered to endorse the inaugural challenge.
The initiative is a joint effort by Namport, Nedbank Namibia, and the Powerhouse Cycling Club.
It will be held in Lüderitz from 2 to 3 May 2025 and in Walvis Bay from 1 to 2 November 2025.
The event will feature mountain bike and road races, as well as running events to include non-cycling participants.
The cycling races will be sanctioned by the Namibian Cycling Federation, and distances include 56km for mountain bikers and 50km and 100km for road cyclists.
Running enthusiasts will have the option to participate in 5km, 10km, or 21km races.
Namport’s Manager for Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, Cliff Shikuambi, said the challenge reflects a shared vision among partners.
“This event is not merely a collaboration between our organisations; it represents a shared vision for fostering community engagement and promoting healthy lifestyles across Namibia,” he said.
He added that Namport’s support will be renewed annually for the next three years.
Joao da Costa, representing the Powerhouse Cycling Club, welcomed the collaboration.
“As a club, we are excited and privileged to have partnered with Namport, Nedbank Namibia, and the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival Trust.”
He added that the event would help the club meet its goals of growing cycling participation throughout Namibia.
The chairperson of the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival Trust, Clive Gawanab, described the collaboration as the realisation of a long-considered idea.
“We have been considering incorporating a cycling event in the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival for quite a while, and seeing this vision come to fruition is quite pleasing,” he said.
Nedbank Namibia Managing Director Martha Murorua pointed to the bank’s historical connection to Lüderitz.
“Nedbank Namibia opened its second branch here in Lüderitz back in May 1973, and we have been part of this community ever since,” she said.
The mayor of Lüderitz, Phillippus Balhao, called on residents to support the event through volunteering, adding that it aims to create a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike.
