African and UCI world recognition for Khomas100
Gravel biking
The Hollard Khomas100, which was very successfully held for the first time last year to the acclaim of many prominent participants, now serves as both the Namibian national gravel bike championship and the African continental gravel championship for 2025.
In an exciting development that places both the race and Namibian gravel biking firmly on the international map, race organiser Anri Parker confirmed that the race has been afforded UCI Gravel World Series qualifier status, with winners earning a spot at the UCI Gravel World Championships to be held in Europe in October.
The 157 km route's elevation gain of approximately 2000 metres through the Khomas Hochland presents a significant challenge to all contenders.
Hollard Insurance yesterday confirmed it is renewing its sponsorship of the Hollard Khomas100.
In the inaugural event last October, UCI Marathon World Cup title holder Vera Looser narrowly beat fellow Namibian Anri Greeff in a sprint to win the women’s race.
In the men’s race, Namibian professional mountain biker Alex Miller opened up a lead of more than three minutes to beat Drikus Coetzee and Jaques Hanekom on a hot day, after technical mishaps ended a strong challenge by Martin Freyer.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 event at Hollard’s head office in Windhoek yesterday, Parker announced that the 157 km race will carry prize money of N$250 000.
This year’s route will start at Cymot in Kleine Kuppe, rather than at the Tony Rust race track, which was last year’s starting point. The finish line will remain unchanged, at Gross Barmen Resort near Okahandja.
“For those riders for whom a hundred miles is simply too much, we’ll once again also have 84 km and 44 km options, and all events are open to gravel bike, mountain bike and e-bike enthusiasts,” said Parker.
This year’s race takes place on Saturday 23 August. Online entries open today at khomas100.com.na (or at Events Today). Every tenth Namibian rider that entered the race from yesterday will have their race entry cost refunded, with the lucky riders being refunded on Wednesday 2 April.
Stakeholders
Parker paid tribute to all of the sponsors involved, including major sponsors Hollard, NWR, Indongo Toyota, Namibian Breweries' Heineken 0.0, and 226ERS.
Hollard Namibia CEO Jaco Lamprecht said: “As headline sponsor, we’re immensely proud to once again be associated with this world-class event and even prouder to showcase Namibia’s natural beauty.
“This race has been a dream for a while, and for it to have achieved the status it has in only its second year, is truly remarkable.
“We’d like to thank our fellow sponsors – along with the Namibian Cycling Federation and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture – for helping us bring this incredible event to life."
Echoing Lamprecht’s sentiments, Tauko Shilongo, president of the Namibian Cycling Federation, said: “We are immensely proud of this event. For it to secure a slot on the UCI calendar in only its second year is a crazy feat.
“It’s a first of its kind in Africa and has helped put Namibia on the map. Cycling and mountain biking are making amazing things possible for every girl and boy child in Namibia.”
Showcase to the world
Also speaking at the launch, executive director of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Erastus Haitengela said the race would help showcase Namibia’s vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes to an international audience.
The executive director said: “The Ministry is proud to be involved with initiatives that demonstrate Namibia’s potential to host world-class events. We continue to demonstrate our unwavering support in providing athletes with the tools they need to succeed and are proud to be furthering cycling development in Namibia.
“We are excited to be part of the cycling partnerships that enable the country to achieve lasting change and opportunity for growth through sport.”
In an exciting development that places both the race and Namibian gravel biking firmly on the international map, race organiser Anri Parker confirmed that the race has been afforded UCI Gravel World Series qualifier status, with winners earning a spot at the UCI Gravel World Championships to be held in Europe in October.
The 157 km route's elevation gain of approximately 2000 metres through the Khomas Hochland presents a significant challenge to all contenders.
Hollard Insurance yesterday confirmed it is renewing its sponsorship of the Hollard Khomas100.
In the inaugural event last October, UCI Marathon World Cup title holder Vera Looser narrowly beat fellow Namibian Anri Greeff in a sprint to win the women’s race.
In the men’s race, Namibian professional mountain biker Alex Miller opened up a lead of more than three minutes to beat Drikus Coetzee and Jaques Hanekom on a hot day, after technical mishaps ended a strong challenge by Martin Freyer.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 event at Hollard’s head office in Windhoek yesterday, Parker announced that the 157 km race will carry prize money of N$250 000.
This year’s route will start at Cymot in Kleine Kuppe, rather than at the Tony Rust race track, which was last year’s starting point. The finish line will remain unchanged, at Gross Barmen Resort near Okahandja.
“For those riders for whom a hundred miles is simply too much, we’ll once again also have 84 km and 44 km options, and all events are open to gravel bike, mountain bike and e-bike enthusiasts,” said Parker.
This year’s race takes place on Saturday 23 August. Online entries open today at khomas100.com.na (or at Events Today). Every tenth Namibian rider that entered the race from yesterday will have their race entry cost refunded, with the lucky riders being refunded on Wednesday 2 April.
Stakeholders
Parker paid tribute to all of the sponsors involved, including major sponsors Hollard, NWR, Indongo Toyota, Namibian Breweries' Heineken 0.0, and 226ERS.
Hollard Namibia CEO Jaco Lamprecht said: “As headline sponsor, we’re immensely proud to once again be associated with this world-class event and even prouder to showcase Namibia’s natural beauty.
“This race has been a dream for a while, and for it to have achieved the status it has in only its second year, is truly remarkable.
“We’d like to thank our fellow sponsors – along with the Namibian Cycling Federation and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture – for helping us bring this incredible event to life."
Echoing Lamprecht’s sentiments, Tauko Shilongo, president of the Namibian Cycling Federation, said: “We are immensely proud of this event. For it to secure a slot on the UCI calendar in only its second year is a crazy feat.
“It’s a first of its kind in Africa and has helped put Namibia on the map. Cycling and mountain biking are making amazing things possible for every girl and boy child in Namibia.”
Showcase to the world
Also speaking at the launch, executive director of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Erastus Haitengela said the race would help showcase Namibia’s vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes to an international audience.
The executive director said: “The Ministry is proud to be involved with initiatives that demonstrate Namibia’s potential to host world-class events. We continue to demonstrate our unwavering support in providing athletes with the tools they need to succeed and are proud to be furthering cycling development in Namibia.
“We are excited to be part of the cycling partnerships that enable the country to achieve lasting change and opportunity for growth through sport.”
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