Pupkewitz Megabuild and partners hit the road as cycling event makes history
The 2025 Pupkewitz Megabuild Tour de Windhoek will feature Namibia’s first Union Cycliste Internationale-accredited women’s road race, marking a milestone for local cycling.
Elanor Grassow, the general secretary of the Namibian Cycling Federation (NCF), in a statement says this year marks a historic breakthrough for Namibian sport, as the women’s race achieves full Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) accreditation – a first for any road race in the country.
“Taking place from 31 July to 3 August 2025, the four-day event will culminate in a grand finale and prize-giving ceremony at Pupkewitz Megabuild Lifestyle,” the statement reads.
Grassow says it’s a new era for Namibian cycling, with official accreditation as the women’s race now qualifies riders to earn UCI points critical for international rankings, Olympic qualification, and entry to world-class competitions such as the World Championships.
In addition to the women’s tour, the men’s race remains a local highlight.
“Over five stages, male cyclists will cover over 400km, with more than 3 500m of climbing, while the women will take on 300km and 2 500m of elevation gain across four stages,” Grassow says.
Both races promise to test endurance, strategy, and strength on some of Namibia’s most scenic and challenging terrain.
Pupkewitz Megabuild managing director Martin Schoeman says: “This event embodies the spirit of athleticism, unity, and the breathtaking beauty of Namibia.
“We are thrilled to once again sponsor the Tour de Windhoek, especially as we celebrate the accreditation of the ladies’ race – a significant achievement for Namibian cycling.”
Vice president of the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) Gaby Ahrens says this breakthrough is not just for cycling, but for Namibian sport as a whole.
“Gender equity is one of the International Olympic Committee’s core commitments. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, we saw gender equality in athlete quotas for the first time in history,” she says.
Namibia now joins this global movement on its own roads, she says.
President of the Namibian Cycling Federation Tauko Shilongo says this is more than just a race, but it is a sign of progress, opportunity, and how far cycling has come.
“This is not just a race; it is a monumental step in advancing gender equity in sport and the growth of cycling in Namibia.
“This race is now officially listed on the UCI calendar – a tremendous achievement. And believe me, it was not smooth sailing to get this event sanctioned by both the UCI and the CAC. It took determination, persistence, and collaboration to get us here. To everyone at NCF – job well done,” Shilongo says.
NCF vice president Axel Theissen says it will be the first time a Namibian women’s team will compete on home turf in national
colours.
“Until now, our athletes had to travel abroad to earn UCI points. This race changes that.”
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