Mountain bikers battle the elements in L?deritz

Piet Swiegers (57) clinched the 60km race, while Lucas Lukas (30) won the 20km race in the inaugural edition of the Lüderitz Namport Nedbank Powerhouse Mountain Bike Challenge on 2 May.Swiegers completed the off-road cycling race in 2 hours and 20 minutes, while Lukas crossed the finish line after 59 minutes. Ten cyclists entered the 60km race, and 25 cyclists competed in the 20km event. Only two female cyclists participated: Anna-Louise Penduka won the 60km race, and Asha da Costa took top honours in the 20km category.Swiegers, a member of the Rock and Rut Mountain Bike Club who resides in Aus, said he used the wind to his advantage. “The route was mostly flat, and it was a pure gravel race. We rode against the wind during the first half of the distance, and it was nice to finish with the wind behind us. The organisers should just ensure that the markings are properly placed.”He added that Lüderitz has great potential for single-track races. “This is a nice race that can grow into a big event. I know this was the first edition, and adding single-track routes will make it very interesting. Gravel biking is a growing sport, and this race is ideal for both mountain bike and gravel bike categories.”Swiegers said he looks forward to defending his title in 2026. “I think I’ll cycle from Aus to Lüderitz as a warm-up.” In that vein, he suggested that the organisers consider launching a race from Aus to Lüderitz. “We could have a three- to four-day cycling event. It would be epic to ride over two or more days via the old Ossewa route to Lüderitz.”Swiegers began cycling at the age of 44. “Cycling is therapeutic for me, and I like to spend time on my bike after a hard day’s work. My aim is to win the 60+ age category at the eight-stage Cape Epic race.”Lukas, who hails from Lüderitz, finished the distance in 59 minutes. “It was a wonderful experience, and I’m excited about this achievement. I enjoyed the race and will definitely be back to defend my title. The wind was strong at times, and the route took us through a very mountainous area. I just kept pushing,” said Lukas, who is an electrician by trade.He entered the Namport Fitness Challenge in 2024, which motivated him to take up cycling. “I enjoy cycling every day and often do random routes. My aim is to join a club and participate in as many events as possible. I just need support to make this a reality.”Powerhouse Cycling Club secretary general Joao da Costa hailed the event a huge success. “It was the first time we hosted a race in the South, and it was good to connect cycling to the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival. Everything went well in a very windy Lüderitz. This made the race unique and really challenged the cyclists.”Top three (unofficial) results for men60km1. Piet Swiegers 2:20min2. Marckernzy Eiseb 2:30min3. William Boois 2:49min 25km1. Lukas Lukas 59 min2. Geano Ikela 1:05:343. Jano van Wyk 1:08 min

Mountain bikers battle the elements in L?deritz

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Republikein 2026-02-03

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Mountain bikers battle the elements in L?deritz

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