Navachab Gold Rush delivers a unique cycling challenge
The Navachab Gold Rush Mountain Biking Challenge attracted more than 200 cyclists to Karibib on Saturday, with participants taking on challenging terrain and a unique route that included access to the operational QKR Navachab Gold Mine.
Organised in collaboration with the Namibian Cycling Federation, the event featured 35km and 70km races, starting and finishing at Die Skuur. The shorter route took riders to the mine entrance before returning, while the 70km route went inside the mining area, giving cyclists a rare opportunity to experience the operation from their bicycles.
Ingram Cuff won the 70km men’s race in 2:28:11, followed by Danzel De Koe in 2:31:35 and Tristan de Lange in 2:31:36.
In the women’s 70km race, Lelani Swart, competing in the sub-veteran category, and Elanor Grassow, in the master category, recorded identical times of 3:43:14. Swart was listed first in the results, while Jacky Shipena, also a sub-veteran, finished third in 3:53:06.
Cuff said the race initially felt fast, but a headwind on the return section made conditions more demanding. He praised the mine route, particularly the opportunity to see the large mining trucks and the pit from a bicycle.
He also commended the organisers for providing sufficient water points along the route, describing the event as an enjoyable experience and saying he would return to support it.
QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine managing director George Botshiwe also completed the 35km race. He described the course as technical, with sandy sections, climbs and hot conditions, but said it was a good experience.
Botshiwe praised the team behind the event and highlighted the enthusiasm of mine employees who participated. He also acknowledged the support of sponsors, including Cycletec, RNB and the mine’s contractors.
He described the turnout as excellent for a first edition and said the organisers hoped to make the event bigger next year.
QKR Navachab spokesperson Tuafi Shafombabi said the challenge aimed to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for cyclists of different abilities while promoting health, wellness and community development.
She thanked the participants, sponsors, Karibib community and Die Skuur for their support, adding that the organisers intended to make the event an annual fixture.
A total of N$150,000 in prize money was available across the categories, with the top three finishers in each category receiving N$3,000 for first place, N$2,000 for second and N$1,000 for third. Trophies, lucky draws and other incentives also formed part of the event.
Cycletec further supported participation by making 10 bicycles available for social riders who did not own their own bikes, helping more people take part in the challenge.
The Gold Rush has a history in Karibib, with an earlier edition in 2017 attracting 87 cyclists across the 35km and 70km distances.
With more than 200 participants at this year’s event, organisers will look to build on the turnout and establish the Navachab Gold Rush Mountain Biking Challenge as an annual fixture on Namibia’s cycling calendar.
