Third leg of Nedbank Rock and Rut XC series takes place over weekend

WINDHOEK, 15 JUNE – On Saturday, 16 June 2018, mountain Bike enthusiasts will once again convene at the IJG trails for the third leg of the Nedbank/Rock & Rut Cross-Country (XC) series.

The IJG Trails comprises of approximately 75 kilometres of purpose built mountain bike trails, which makes an ideal venue for both training and events.

Encompassing lush savannah landscape amidst the rolling vistas of the Auas Mountains, the farm like atmosphere of the IJG Trails abutting the southern boundary of the city has been open to the public for leisure or sporting activities for the past four years.

The idea behind this public green space was to “fill the need to supply a safe environment to enjoy nature for mountain biking, running, hiking and walkers alike,” Peter van der Merwe of IJG Trails explained.

He described it as the “perfect daily get-away to walk, run, and mountain bike or just to enjoy nature. The trails are child friendly, so families as well as their dogs can enjoy the outdoors together.”

Security is a premium concern and ongoing efforts are made to ensure a safe environment.

“We employ a team of full-time security personnel who undergo constant training in an attempt to provide our visitors with a secure environment for all outdoor related activities,” van der Merwe said.

Apart from the option to take the family and dogs for a leisurely walk or exploratory adventure on the numerous trails zigzagging the area, the IJG Trails has evolved into a popular mountain biking and trail running nature-based arena.

Gernot de Klerk, head of marketing and communications at Nedbank Namibia, highlighted the bank’s long-term commitment in support of cycling development in Namibia, dating back more than three decades now.

The Nedbank Cycle challenge, launched in November 1986 marked the start of Nedbank’s close close-knit association with cycling in the country.

“Our support has only increased in the intervening years and cycling is now comfortably the bank’s largest sponsorship property,” de Klerk said.

Mountain bike fever has steadily increased due, in large part, to its suitability for the whole family to join in the fun, he said.

With the benefit of untouched natural environs and tailor-made trails mere minutes from the city, Windhoeker’s especially have enthusiastically embraced mountain biking in places like the IJG Trails to “shake of the humdrum of city life”, de Klerk noted.

Saturday’s participants in the mountain bike race have the option of two routes.

Van der Merwe outlined that the short track is a 2.7 kilometre track with approximately 38 metres of climbing per lap.

“Participants will complete a number of laps during each race. The track is aimed at the novice rider and is relatively flat and fun to ride,” he said.

The Long track “is a bit more challenging.”

It is 4.5 kilometres long with a 100 metre-climbing lap.

He pointed out that participants opting for this route, will have to negotiate short technical climbs and “quite a bit of a fast flowing single track.”

Adrenaline pushing factors aside, van der Merwe assures that both tracks are not only designed to challenge respective participants, but “more importantly give all who take part a fund day out in the mountains.”

Nedbank’s de Klerk underlined that Namibia has fast become a prime destination for premier MTB events, in part because of the quality work done by race organisers in preparing challenging racecourses and MTB trails as can be found at the IJG Trails.

He added that with the “enthusiasm and commitment shown by Rock & Rut MTB Club and the Namibia Cycling Federation we remain especially proud of our association with the Nedbank/Rock & Rut Cross-Country (XC) series, and this weekend’s race will undoubtedly again show why Namibian cycling is starting to show its true mettle.” – NDN Staffer