By Staff Reporter

Hugo Hahn and Monique du Plessis were crowned the 2025 Nedbank Namibian Mountain Bike XCC, XCO and Cross-Country Championships, after two days of fierce competition at the Towerbos Trails, recently.
The event was organised by the Namibia Cycling Federation (NCF). Hahn produced a dominant performance in the cross-country olympic (XCO) to win the elite men’s title by coming home in a time of 01:21:27, followed by Martin Freyer, who clocked 01:26:55 and Theuns van der Westhuizen in third place after ending on 01:31:40.
 

However, in the cross-country short track (XCC), tables were turned as Freyer came back to exert revenge in a time of 00:22:37 in first place, ahead of Hahn, who clocked 00:22:41.
 

Third place was taken by Van der Westhuizen, who came home in 00:23:11.
Speaking to Confidente Hahn said: “This track has its technical aspect, which makes it unique and challenging. Within the features themselves, you can find many little things that can either make or break your speed. It was a good race for me with a strong start. I am happy with my lap times, my race speed and my calmness and confidence throughout the race.”
He added that the track has a good layout, saying the challenging track is good for Namibian riders as it makes them better riders.
In the women’s elite XCO race, Du Plessis clocked 01:22:32 to fend off Mimi Hough, who came second in a time of 01:24:0.
Du Plessis then won the elite women’s short course event with a time of 00:19:17 in the XCC event.
 

NFC's Tauko Shilongo, said: “It was phenomenal racing. The course out here is phenomenal. The trails have undergone extensive work. The renovation is a significant investment in the trails. It is world-class.” 
 

In the under-23 men’s XCC category, Bergran Jensen secured first place, with Rodger Suren winning the junior men’s XCO crown ahead of Nathan Chase in second place and Marco Thiel in third place.
For the XCO and XCC junior women, Delsia Janse van Vuuren emerged first, ahead of Rosemarie Thiel in second place in both events.
In the boys’ under-16, Mike Olivier Baartman beat Theodor Janse van Vuuren and Francois van Zyl. Nicole Suren won the girls under-16 race.
 

Meanwhile, Selma Kaulinge, the spokesperson of Nedbank Namibia, said the bank was proud to be a partner in these national championships. 
 

Kaulinge urged those who did not reach the podium this time, to train harder, stay focused and come back even stronger to claim the title next season.