Rock and Rut launches 2019 FNB Otjihavera Experience

WINDHOEK, JUNE 26 – The Rock and Rut Mountain Bike Club has officially launched the 2019 FNB Otjihavera Experience, presented by Windhoek Light in cooperation with Sportsmans Warehouse. This event will be held from 23 – 25 August at Midgard Country Estate.

Cyclist, Michelle Voster believes that the FNB Otjihavera is the best stage race in Namibia.

“It is well organized and a lot of fun. The organizers go through a lot of effort to make the routes interesting each year. Last year, Piet Swiegers and I won the Mixed Team Category. It is not only about racing, but it is a weekend away with the family. What I enjoy the most about the FNB Otjihavera is the time with friends and family after the race, and you get to explore our beautiful country outside the normal routes we do as mountain bikers in Windhoek.”

Gordon Pokolo, Sponsorship Manager at FNB Namibia wished all riders the best of luck and added that team camaraderie and spirit were some of the many reasons why this sport was so loved. “It is the spirit of partnership, even among the sponsors, that makes FNB a proud sponsor of this great initiative.”

The race has grown from 40 participants in its maiden year 2006 to 130 teams over the last two years. This year promises some exciting racing across some all new rugged mountain routes on the Midgard Country Estate. Entries close on 20 August 2019.

Newly introduced in 2019 is a timed compulsory Prologue to be hosted on Friday afternoon. This will be an easy short loop through the Midgard Country Estate property and Game Park. Day 2 and 3 will have some new routes never before ridden at Midgard, mostly farm roads and jeep tracks with short single-track sections.

New and exciting changes to this year’s race include:

* Prologue ‐ There will be a compulsory Prologue event on Friday afternoon, 23 August 2019. This will consist of a timed time trail around the Midgard Country Lodge area and Game Park. Teams will be starting in 1-minute intervals. Results will be used for seating on the Saturday.
* Timed competition for the steepest climb on the route
* There will be a kids race on Saturday and Sunday in the same format as the big event, i.e. it is also a team event for the kids and the same rules apply. – NDN Staffer