Cycling initiative gathers pace in Lüderitz

Cycling
Otis Daniels
  • 20 Hours Ago

Spartans Cycling Club recently hosted a fun ride in Lüderitz as it continues its efforts to grow cycling and develop young riders in the ǁKharas Region.

The club was founded by Victor Gowaseb after a BMX cycling project introduced during the 2025 Lüderitz Crayfish Festival inspired him to establish a local cycling programme.

His mission is to identify and develop riders capable of competing at the National Championships later this year and eventually representing Namibia at major international events.

"I started the club to develop young cyclists in Lüderitz and the ǁKharas Region. The aim is to produce riders who can compete at the National Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the African Games," Gowaseb said.

He said the club, currently the only cycling club in the region, also aims to encourage young people to take up cycling as a positive alternative to drug and alcohol abuse.

"Through cycling, you learn self-respect and respect for your peers and teammates. It is also good for your respiratory system and heart, and it gives young people something positive to work towards," he said.

Eleven cyclists took part in the club's inaugural event.

"It was fun, and everything went well despite the very cold weather," Gowaseb said.

The second event attracted 16 cyclists, with the youngest participant just four years old.

"It shows you are never too young or too old to start cycling," he said.

Registration costs N$60 per cyclist for each event, but Gowaseb said children who cannot afford the fee will not be turned away.

"Parents should still bring their children if they have a bicycle and can ride. If a bicycle needs repairs, let me know and I will see what can be done," he said.

He also appealed to businesses to sponsor helmets for young riders.

"I cannot allow children to ride without helmets or while wearing open shoes. Our policy is 'no helmet, no ride', and that is preventing some children from taking part," he said.

Preparations are already under way for the club's next event.

"We plan to host our third event for young riders within the next two months. I also hope to introduce categories for adult cyclists," Gowaseb said.


Results

  • Under-6: Aryan Korner and Aleyandra Feris were declared joint winners.
  • Under-8: Aiden Feris (boys) and Lia Manns (girls).
  • Under-10 girls: First Mickal Isaacks; second Gabriela Goliath.
  • Under-10 boys: First Alfred //Gowaseb; second Lukai Munns; third Carlyle Korner.
  • Under-14: First Morgan //Gowaseb; second Danilo Martin; third Timothy Mungandel.
  • Under-16: First Walker Richards; second Randy Garu-nab; third Hafeni Venasiu.