Hahn, Du Plessis crowned 2025 Nedbank MTB Cross Country champions

Hugo Hahn and Monique du Plessis were crowned champions of the 2025 Nedbank Namibian Mountain Bike XCC, XCO and Cross-Country Championships after two days of intense competition at the Towerbos Trails last weekend.The event was organised by the Namibia Cycling Federation (NCF) and proudly sponsored by Nedbank Namibia.Hahn delivered a dominant performance in the Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) race to win the elite men’s title, finishing in a time of one hour, 21 minutes and 27 seconds (01:21:27). He was followed by Martin Freyer, who recorded a time of 01:26:55 for second place and Theuns van der Westhuizen, who completed the race in 01:31:40 to take third.However, in the Cross-Country Short Track (XCC), the tables were turned as Freyer took revenge by winning in 00:22:37. Hahn followed closely in second with 00:22:41, while Van der Westhuizen clocked 00:23:11 for third.Speaking after the race, Hahn paid tribute to the organisers, describing the course as challenging.“This track has its technical aspects, which make it unique and challenging. Within the features themselves, you can find many little things that can either make or break your speed. It was a good race for me with a strong start. I am very happy with my lap times, race speed, calmness and confidence throughout the race,” Hahn said.He added that the track’s layout is excellent and beneficial for Namibian riders, as it pushes them to improve.In the women’s elite XCO race, Du Plessis recorded a time of 01:22:32 to hold off Mimi Hough, who finished second in 01:24:00. Du Plessis also went on to win the elite women’s XCC race in a time of 00:19:17.NCF president Tauko Shilongo praised the event as a phenomenal success.“It was phenomenal racing. The course out here is phenomenal. The trails have undergone extensive work. The renovation is a significant investment in the trails. It is world-class,” he said.He also paid tribute to Martin Freyer, now serving as NCF vice president, saying that having a national champion as his right-hand man is invaluable due to Freyer’s significant institutional knowledge of cycling.The event celebrated champions across various age categories.In the under-23 men’s XCC category, Bergran Jensen claimed first place. In the junior men’s XCO event, Rodger Suren secured the title, with Nathan Chase finishing second and Marco Thiel third.In both the XCO and XCC junior women’s categories, Delsia Janse van Vuuren came first, ahead of Rosemarie Thiel, who secured second place in both races.In the boys’ under-16 category, Mike Olivier Baartman beat Theodor Janse van Vuuren and Francois van Zyl to claim top honours. Nicole Suren won the girls’ under-16 race.Meanwhile, the NCF has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for riders of all ages.“What we’re doing—or what we’re trying to do—as a federation is look out for the girl and boy child out there. It’s the athletes first. We want to develop them and send them out to race in world-class events,” Shilongo said.Nedbank Namibia spokesperson Selma Kaulinge applauded the efforts of the NCF in hosting an event of such scale and quality.“Nedbank Namibia extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Namibia Cycling Federation for the outstanding success of the 2025 Nedbank Namibian Mountain Bike XCC, XCO and Cross-Country Championships at Towerbos Trails,” she said.She added that Nedbank is proud to be a committed partner in the national championships and reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to the growth and development of cycling in Namibia.Kaulinge also encouraged those who did not make the podium to remain focused and determined: “Train harder, stay focused and come back even stronger to claim the title next season.”

Hahn, Du Plessis crowned 2025 Nedbank MTB Cross Country champions

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Republikein 2026-05-05

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Hahn, Du Plessis crowned 2025 Nedbank MTB Cross Country champions

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