Gobabis — Over 50 international cyclists arrived here for a quick stop yesterday on their way to South Africa from Egypt.

The cyclists from different countries started their four-month journey in Cairo, Egypt on January 14 this year, and arrived in Namibia this morning via the Trans-Kalahari Highway from Botswana.

The group leader, Jana Damas, 31, from Canada, told Nampa that they are heading to Windhoek and then on to South Africa.

Damas said there are two groups of riders on the tour this year.

"There is a group of riders participating for fun, and a group that is racing, as they are internationally recognised riders," she said.

According to Damas, the only challenge they have faced thus far on their journey was Ethiopia's mountainous roads.

Alaric Britz, 30, is representing Namibia in the tour, and is ranked fifth in the racing group.

Gobabis Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Amutenya and Chief Executive Officer of the Town Council Efraim Dawids welcomed the riders to Gobabis, and wished them a safe journey to Windhoek.

The riders have travelled from Egypt through Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and now Namibia.

They are destined to end their 12 000 kilometre tour on bicycle in Cape Town on 12 May this year.