Navachab Gold Rush ready to roll in Karibib

Cyclists are set for a unique mountain biking experience in Karibib tomorrow when the Navachab Gold Rush Mountain Biking Challenge gets under way, featuring 35km and 70km routes and the rare opportunity to ride inside an operational gold mine.

The event, held in collaboration with the Namibian Cycling Federation, will start and finish at Die Skuur in Karibib, with the longer distance taking riders into the QKR Navachab Gold Mine premises.

The 70km race is scheduled to start at 07:00, followed by the 35km event at 07:15.

The routes are expected to test riders with a mixture of gravel, rocky and potentially muddy sections, as well as river crossings. Participants on the longer route will also have the opportunity to experience the mine's distinctive landscape and see large mining equipment, including a 130-tonne haul truck.

At the event's launch in Windhoek earlier this month, QKR Navachab Gold Mine security manager Anthony Möller said cycling within the mine's licensed area was expected to make the challenge particularly special. The 35km route will take riders towards the mine entrance before they turn back, while those tackling the 70km distance will continue into the mining premises.

Organisers have allocated approximately N$150 000 in prize money across the various race categories, with lucky draws, trophies and other incentives also planned.

The challenge is aimed at cyclists of different abilities, from competitive riders to recreational participants and newcomers to the sport. Ten bicycles have also been made available through Cycletec for social riders who want to participate but do not own bikes.

Beyond the racing, organisers are encouraging families and supporters to attend, with designated viewing areas planned along parts of the route. Professional photographers are also expected to capture riders at selected locations inside the mining area, including around the pit.

QKR Navachab spokesperson Tuafi Shafombabi said the event aims to create an enjoyable experience for cyclists while bringing the wider community together.

“The Navachab Gold Rush MTB Challenge is about creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for cyclists of all levels. We want riders, supporters and families to come together and experience what Karibib has to offer,” Shafombabi said.

The Gold Rush name has previous roots in Karibib, with the first documented Navachab Gold Rush mountain bike race held in 2017, attracting 87 cyclists across the 35km and 70km distances.With its unusual mining setting, substantial prize money and family-friendly atmosphere, the challenge aims to establish itself as an annual fixture on Namibia's mountain biking calendar.