Namport Nedbank PH Challenge launched in collaboration with Lüderitz Crayfish festival

A new era for Namibian cycling has arrived with the official launch of the Namport Nedbank PH Challenge in collaboration with the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival. The inaugural event will take place in Lüderitz from 2–3 May 2025, followed by a second leg in Walvis Bay from 1–2 November 2025.



The official announcement was made at Sea View Restaurant in Lüderitz, where key stakeholders, including representatives from Namport, Nedbank Namibia, Powerhouse Cycling Club, and the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival Trust, gathered to endorse the event.



Cycling Meets Community Development



The Namport Nedbank PH Challenge is designed to encourage participation across all levels of cycling, while promoting health, wellness, and community engagement. The event has received official sanctioning from the Namibian Cycling Federation, ensuring competitive standards and attracting cyclists from across the country.



Participants will have a range of race options, including:



Mountain Bike Category: 56km route for experienced cyclists



Road Race Category: 50km and 100km distances



Additionally, the event will feature a running segment, with 5km, 10km, and 21km races for non-cyclists.



Stakeholders Express Support



Namport’s Manager for Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, Cliff Shikuambi, described the event as a testament to collaboration:



“This challenge is not just about competition—it’s about bringing people together, promoting fitness, and strengthening community ties. We look forward to seeing participants from all walks of life embrace this opportunity.”



Joao da Costa, from Powerhouse Cycling Club, emphasized the importance of growing the sport:



“We are grateful for this partnership, which aligns with our mission of making cycling accessible to more Namibians. The event will help develop the sport and inspire more participation at all levels.”



Clive Gawanab, Chairperson of the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival Trust, highlighted the significance of the race’s inclusion in the festival:



“We’ve long envisioned adding a cycling component to the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival, and we are thrilled to see it materialize. This race will bring a unique and exhilarating challenge to cyclists in one of Namibia’s most scenic locations.”



Economic and Social Impact



Nedbank Namibia’s Managing Director, Martha Murorua, stressed the event’s alignment with the bank’s values:



“Our commitment to Lüderitz extends far beyond banking. This event represents an investment in the town’s people and future, reinforcing our belief in community-driven initiatives. With Lüderitz emerging as a leader in Namibia’s green hydrogen economy, this challenge symbolizes both progress and sustainability.”



Community Involvement Encouraged



The Mayor of Lüderitz, Councillor Phillippus Balhao, urged local residents to support the event:



“This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together. I encourage Lüderitz residents to get involved, whether as participants, spectators, or volunteers. Every effort has been made to ensure a well-organized and memorable experience for all.”



Further details, including registration and race routes, will be announced soon. Organizers are also working to secure accommodation options for visiting cyclists and their families.



The Namport Nedbank PH Challenge promises to be a landmark event in Namibia’s sporting calendar, combining high-level competition with a celebration of community spirit and wellness.