Gravel & Dirt series creates whole new ball game

The term “roadies” does not fit into the Namibian dictionary when it comes to our mountain bike attitude. The only time we get off our bikes is when we bail, and even that does not deter the spirit. We never fear a grinder, no matter the climb. Namibia is known for its rock gardens, where even the most well thought-out line can challenge the best of us.

Even though mountain biking is considered a sport, Namibian riders don’t play around.

So ladies and gentlemen, dust off those lids and prepare yourselves for some switchback action, as the 2017 Gravel & Dirt MTB Marathon Series is upon us.

Hollard Namibia, as the main sponsor, and Raceday Events have joined forces to bring you the pinnacle of the Namibian MTB calendar, with a brand new name: the Gravel & Dirt MTB Marathon Series.

Hollard Namibia along with Raceday Events welcome fellow Namibian companies to become event sponsors of this epic series. All the events in the series are national ranking races, and NCF sanctioned.

Last year’s series consisted of four exciting races across the country, attracting riders from all areas of Namibia. Due to the enormous success it was decided to go even further and add an additional four races to this year’s calendar, making it a total of eight exciting races.

The series include the following races:

• MTB X-Ride – 08 April – Oanob Resort, Rehoboth.

• West Coast MTB Challenge – 15 April – Moonlight Resort, Swakopmund.

• Otjiwa Eagle Ride MTB Challenge – 13 May – Otjiwa Lodge, Otjiwarongo.

• Africa Safari Lodge MTB Festival – 01 July – African Safari Lodge, Mariental.

• Ugab Terrace MTB Challenge – 22 July – Sophienhof Lodge, Outjo.

• MTB Dirt Attack – 29 July – Okahandja.

• Skyride MTB Marathon – 12 August – Heja Lodge, Windhoek.

• Gobabis MTB Challenge – 16 September – Sand Dune Lodge, Gobabis.

Each of these events range from full to half cross-country marathon distances and can be entered into all age categories in full marathons, as well as open and junior in the half marathon races.

A percentage of all entrance fees will be used to set up a financial support programme aimed at assisting Namibian cyclists in achieving their goals.

The 2017 Gravel & Dirt MTB Marathon boasts the highest podium prizes in Namibia for an MTB race, and riders will be rewarded who accumulate the highest point score for the overall series.

Cyclists who compete in all eight events will receive a special award at the prize-giving ceremony for their personal achievements in enduring Namibia’s biggest MTB Marathon Series.

In addition, the Otjiwa Eagle Ride MTB Challenge as well as the MTB Dirt Attack will now also play host to a trail run of 10 km and a half marathon over breath-taking terrain not open to the public on any other occasion. All in all this year’s Gravel & Dirt MTB Marathon Series is set to be one of the most adrenalin filled races in southern Africa and will be no easy feat to conquer.

To enter or for more information, please visit www.raceday.events/hollard-mtb-series. You can follow the events on its official Facebook page at graveldirtnam and on Instagram.

Johan Pretorius from Raceday Events has taken over the role of facilitating the upcoming events for the 2017 Gravel & Dirt MTB Marathon Series, and is proudly powered by Hollard Namibia, who believes that playing a key role in the development of cycling in Namibia will be fundamental in growing and uplifting the sport locally as well as placing Namibia on the global map as one of the best locations worldwide for these kind of races.