Four hundred and fifty kilometres, a total ascent of 6286 metres, and six days of flat-out riding is what makes the Namib Quest one of the most challenging MTB events in Africa. This year’s race started in Windhoek and ended in the famous, breathtaking, coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia. Offering riders a diverse landscape and a few challenging stretches along the route.

Race winners

Clocking between 2-4 hours on the bike per day, and coming in as the first male team on the GC was Xavier Papo and Clinton Hilfiker (Hollard), who smashed it in a time of 20:18:59. The first female first team to finish was Louise Ferreira and Courtney Liebenberg (Team Cymot), who logged a total of 24:45:15. Coming in as the first mixed team was Johann Fourie and Irene Steyn from team The Bold and the Beautiful, who rode the Namib Desert’s most challenging MTB stage race in a total time of 23:33:11. Solo riders Nicola Fester and Vanni Balboni were the first female and male riders to finish finish the race in 27:16:56 and 21:07:58 respectively.

“The event was a huge success and a perfect challenge for mountain bikers”, said the race organisers. The route was the perfect test of endurance and technical ability, and the race certainly left riders feeling challenged. Thanks to the beautiful scenery, the route was absolutely memorable and kept riders motivated.

A ride to remember

Over 50 million years old, the Namib Desert is thought to be the world’s oldest, and consists of thousands of kilometres of sand and copper dunes reaching up to 400 metres, and stretching to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Namib Quest is sponsored by Windhoek Light; one of the largest, most successful beer producers in Africa and around the world.

Interested in riding the Namib Quest next year? Check out www.windhoeklightevents.com for more information regarding entries.

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