The Rotary Club Namibian Cycle Classic, one of Namibia's longest running sporting events, is scheduled to take place in Windhoek this weekend. This year's event marks the 27th consecutive year of the Cycle Classic, which has become one of Namibia's biggest mass sporting events. Since its inception in 2000, the event has been held annually, even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Cycle Classic was initially staged as a community service and fundraising event for Rotary Club Windhoek (RCW). Over the years, numerous charities and needy causes have benefited from the funds raised. According to Danny Meyer of RCW, the Cycle Classic is their main fundraising event, supporting various charities. Last year, the event raised approximately N$80,000 for various projects.
This year's event will feature a gravel bike race for the first time on Saturday, replacing the Mountain Bike Classic. The Kiddies Classic will also take place on Saturday, while the Cycle Classic road race is scheduled for Sunday. The start and finish points for the gravel and road bike races will be at SKW in Olympia, with the total prize money amounting to N$32,000.
Delano Hansen of RCW expressed hope that the event will reach a target of 700 riders. Last year, the event had over 700 entries, and with 400 online entries already recorded, late registration is still possible. The gravel bike race on Saturday will follow a recent trend of growing popularity in gravel bike racing, incorporating MTB riding.
The gravel bike race will offer distances of 22km, 40km, and 75km, while the road race on Sunday will cover distances of 22km, 40km, 60km, and 100km. Several sponsors have come on board to support this year's event, including the Road Fund Administration, Indongo Toyota, and Heineken NBL, among others.
RCW has also thanked Black Chain Mall for sponsoring the entries for 132 cyclists of Physically Active Youth, a cycling club and sports organization based in Katutura. This sponsorship aims to dispel the notion that cycling is a sport and recreational event only for the wealthy. The event's focus on charity and inclusivity is a significant aspect of the Cycle Classic.
The Rotary Club Namibian Cycle Classic is set to take place with a strong focus on community service and fundraising. With a range of cycling events and a charity focus, the event aims to continue its legacy as one of Namibia's biggest and most successful mass sporting events. The event's organizers are confident that this year's event will be a success, with a strong lineup of sponsors and participants.
Key points
- The Rotary Club Namibian Cycle Classic has raised approximately N$80,000 for various projects last year.
- This year's event features a gravel bike race for the first time, replacing the Mountain Bike Classic.
- The event aims to reach a target of 700 riders, with 400 online entries already recorded.
