The 2026 Nedbank Namibia National Road Race and Time Trial Championships concluded on Sunday morning in Windhoek, marking a high-stakes start to the cycling calendar along the A1 Dr Hage Geingob Freeway.

The event saw more than 50 cyclists brave rainy conditions to compete for national titles and the prestigious right to wear Namibia’s national colors at international competitions.

In the women's category, Anri Greef successfully defended her crown, completing the 117-kilometre course to secure her second consecutive national title.

"I am very happy to keep the title, it's good in two years in a row," Greef said. "The rain was definitely unexpected I don't think our Namibians do well in the rain and the cold but I guess it was good, not too hot today. I managed to get away quite early in the race; there were a couple of taxis at the beginning which we followed, but after that, I managed to get a break and I was happy for that."

In the men's elite category, Alex Muller claimed victory in the 165-kilometre race. Reflecting on the intensity of the competition, Muller noted the high level of the field.

"I can say that it was one of the hardest Namibian races in the sense that we were a very strong group," Muller noted. "There was no sitting around and just looking at each other, which I feel happens in some of the club races... which can be quite boring and not good for the development of the sport."

While Muller took the elite title, 18-year-old Roger Surin delivered a standout performance, crossing the finish line first overall and securing both the Under-23 and road race crowns.

"It was a quite long one, I think it was the longest road race I have done," Surin said. "At the beginning, I was 100 percent, and by the end, I just felt really good and I knew I just had to hang on. I had a quite good sprint and I was very lucky with the wind as well."

Namibia Cycling Federation President Tauko Shilongo highlighted the significance of the route and the professional growth of the athletes.

"This race sits closely to my heart because it has taken place on the newly inaugurated Dr. Hage Geingob Freeway; with that said, I think we can just pay homage and tribute to him and also to the founding father Dr. Sam Nujoma," Shilongo said.

He further emphasized the impact of these titles on the international stage: "If you are a professional rider like Alex Muller, he gets to wear the Namibian flag; it invites international riders and puts Namibian cycling up there. Roger was recently awarded a scholarship from the NNOC, which helps him improve his performance, and he should be going to Europe soon."

With the national championships concluded, Namibia’s top cyclists now shift their focus to upcoming regional and international challenges, including the African Junior Triathlon and the Cape Town Cycle Tour.