25 November 2008
WHAT started out as a challenge between a couple of friends in 2005, is now one of the more popular endurance cycling events in Southern Africa.
This event will in future be known as the FNB Desert Dash following the conclusion of a new partnership agreement between FNB and Aidan de Lange, organiser of the Desert Dash.
This year the FNB Desert Dash will take place on December 12 and 13, when 211 riders will attempt to complete the 340-km route from Windhoek to Swakopmund in 24 hours.
The number of riders has been increasing steadily over the last three years, and this year the number of riders have increased by 47 riders.
For safety reasons, the number had to be limited and the event is over subscribed significantly.
In 2007 13 solo riders were ready to take on the challenge, compared to the 41 solo riders that have entered this category in 2008.
Riders from all over the world showed an interest in the event in recent years, and this year will be no different.
Countries like The Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Australia and The United States of America will be represented in this year's FNB Desert Dash.
Mannie Heymans (from the Namibian MTB Beijing Olympic Games Team) will ride this year to defend his solo category title and to become the first winner of the new FNB Desert Dash.
The accomplished rider, Dan Craven Jnr (African Road Champion in 2008) will ride the FNB Desert Dash for the first time this year in the solo category.
Aidan de Lange, organiser of the event, highlighted the fact that the Desert Dash relies a great deal on the support of its sponsors and has expressed his appreciation for First National Bank Namibia's cash injection as title sponsor this year, and for the following two years.
Head of Strategic Marketing of FNB Namibia, Dixon Norval, has reiterated FNB's commitment to sport in Namibia with the following comment: "One of FNB's values is innovation, this event typifies what a dedicated individual like Aidan can achieve through innovation.
We are delighted to be a partner in this world-class and unique event which, I am told, the solo category is currently unchallenged as the 'longest single-stage MTB [mountain-biking] event in the world'.
"Together FNB and Aidan will elevate the status of the FNB Desert Dash even further.
I wish the other sponsors and particularly the riders all the best and trust that they enjoy the 'Dash' through the Namib with us."
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