The Desert Awaits: Nedbank Desert Dash launches 22nd edition

Windhoek, Oct 19 — The 2026 edition of the Nedbank Desert Dash will once again test the grit, graft, endurance, and spirit of over a thousand local and international cyclists as they cut through the Namib Desert in the iconic 401-kilometre race which is also considered the world’s longest single-stage mountain bike race.
The Nedbank Desert Dash will start in Windhoek and conclude in the coastal town of Swakopmund within a cutthroat 24-hour limit from 11 to 12 December 2026.
Speaking at the launch on Monday, 19 October, Nedbank Namibia Managing Director Martha Murorua said the Nedbank Desert Dash what began as a bold Namibian cycling challenge has grown into one of Africa’s most recognised ultra-endurance mountain biking events.
She said it serves as a powerful driver of economic growth, sports tourism, and national unity: ‘The Nedbank Desert Dash showcases Namibia’s diverse landscapes and sporting ambition. It places our country firmly on the international cycling map, attracting growing interest from around the world and, importantly, from across the Land of the Brave. Each year, cyclists from Africa, Europe, North America and beyond travel to experience one of the world’s most distinctive endurance challenges.’
She added that, the Nedbank Desert Dash showcases Namibia’s diverse landscapes and sporting ambition, and places Namibia firmly on the international cycling map, attracting growing interest from around the world and, importantly, from across the Land of the Brave.
One of the event organisers, Leander Borg of LEMA Events, provided a race briefing stating the iconic event offers participants category options of the solo dash, full and half; two-person team full and half; and four-person team full.
Commenting on the technical aspects of the race, Borg said planning for the 2026 Nedbank Desert Dash is well underway.
He noted that 10 time participant and 8 time winner, Swiss cyclist, Konny Looser will once again make a return to the event: ‘We will also have Andreas Seewalt from Germany, who is the 2026 mountain bike world champion returning for the second year. We have also seen 235 solo riders registering to participate in this year’s event. This is a record entry in this catergory of the Nedbank Desert Dash.
He added that the half-dash has proven to be a hit as many people continue to enter. For the second year running, solo riders will start first at 14:00. This is to prevent the solo riders leaders from being caught or gaining drafting advantages by two-man and four-man teams behind them. They will be followed by two-person teams at 14:30 and four-person teams at 15:00.
The Nedbank Desert Dash is one of the most iconic mountain bike races and attracts over 1 000 cyclists from across the world.
The Deputy Mayor of Swakopmund, Councillor Eugenia Salomon said for over two decades, the Nedbank Desert Dash has been one of Namibia’s most iconic sporting events, and Swakopmund is truly proud to be the host town for this extra-ordinary race: ‘The journey from Windhoek through the Namib Desert to Swakopmund is a true test of endurance and resilience, while showcasing the beauty of our country. As the town of Swakopmund, we take great pride in this event because beyond the
sporting achievement, the race promotes tourism, supports local businesses, creates economic opportunities, and positions Namibia as a world-class adventure tourism destination.’
Nedbank Namibia is the proud headline sponsor, while Indongo Toyota, Hollard, Paratus, SuperSparMaerua, and The Grove Mall come in as co-sponsors.