Gravel Riding hits Namibia with Khomas100

The Khomas100, Namibia’s first-ever National Gravel Championships, will be held on 26 October this year. Gravel riding is a new cycling discipline that is fast gaining popularity around the world as well as in Namibia. It is a cross between road cycling on racing bikes and mountain bike racing, where conventional drop-bar bicycles are used with thicker tyres. 

Gravel riding is normally over longer distances on gravel and district roads, compared to MTB racing which is more on single tracks and technical moutaineous terrain. 

The organiser of the Khomas100, Anri Parker said its a fast-growing sport all over the world. 

“Gravel riding is rapidly gaining in popularity all over the world, and sales of gravel bikes in South Africa alone are up by about 40 percent over the past year,” she said. 

“If you phone bike shops here in Namibia you will also be hard pressed to find a gravel bike. I was just speaking to Mannie Heymans of Mannie’s Bike Mecca yesterday and he told me that he only has one left in stock – it’s awesome to see the growing interest and it’s great that something new is happening,” she added. 

The Khomas100 will be held over three distances – 100 miles (160km), 90km and 40km, with the 100 milers starting at the Tony Rust Race Track and finishing at Gross Barman outside Okahandja, while the 90km and 40km riders will start and finish at Gross Barman. 

The event is sponsored by Hollard and sanctioned by the Namibia Cycling Federation, while the general classification is open to all riders on any types of bikes. 

The total prize sponsorship for the 100mile race amounts to N$150 000 with the male and female winners each receiving N$25 000 as well as NWR vouchers to the value of N$10 000. There will also be cash prizes for the top three in various age group categories ranging from elite to grand master riders.

There will not be prize money for the Namibian champions but they will receive national jerseys, medals and entry to the 2025 World Gravel Championships in France. 

Gross Barman and NWR are the venue and accommodation partners, sponsoring $38 000 in accommodation vouchers as prizes. They will also provide free day passes to all riders and three of their family members, so the whole family can enjoy the hot springs, stunning chalets and spa treatments. 

The day promises to be one of huge excitement with Two Beards selling coffee and pastries from 06h00 at Gross Barman. The MBM October Fest Beer Tent will then open at 10h00 offering beer, wine, soft drinks and a variety of German cuisine proudly hosted by Towerbos Trails and Mannie’s Bike Mecca. 

Other sponsors for the event include Indongo Toyota, Cymot, Deo Pharma, Plastilon, African Marketing, W Meyer Optometrist, Minaqua, Cycletec and Nova103.5 FM and Delta Medical. 

Registration will take place at the brand new Cymot Building in Hilltop on 24 October from 16h00 to 18h00. There will be 100 early bird entries only in each race distance. After that normal entry fees will be applicable until entries close on 15 October. More information is available at khomas100.com.na