Windhoek: Namibian international female cyclist, Vera Looser, has set her sights on tackling the gruelling 401-kilometre 2026 Nedbank Desert Dash race in the solo category after a three-month hiatus from competitive racing.According to Namibia Press Agency, Looser, who has previously competed in the 24-hour mountain bike race regarded as one of the world's most iconic events, expressed her eagerness to return to the competitive scene after recovering from an operation. "It's nice to be at the sharp end again, close to the sharp end, and also just to race again. I've been off racing for three months after undergoing an operation, but I was back on the bike saddle at the N/a'an ku sê National Championships four weeks ago, serving as a tentative comeback," she said.Her recent second-place finish at the challenging Khomas100, an International Cycling Union-accredited endurance race, marked a significant step in her return to competitive cycling and preparation for future races. Looser noted the value of her e xperience at the Khomas100, stating, "The experience of once again competing in the Khomas100 proved valuable. I worked well with Anri (Greeff) during the latter stages of the race, which helped in managing the difficult conditions, although the race remained unpredictable until the end."Looser emphasized that her immediate focus is on rebuilding fitness and regaining confidence through racing. She stated, "I think this year I'm kind of finding my fitness again. I'm doing some more racing, but all without expectations, because I first want to see where this could bring me now. Next year I definitely want to attack again and be right at the top again."Despite being in the early stages of her comeback, Looser has set a formidable challenge for herself in the Desert Dash: completing the 401 km race solo. She remarked, "I'm actually intending to go solo for the Nedbank Desert Dash. I don't know if that was a good idea or a bad idea, but I can tell you afterwards. I did a solo before, but quite a while ago."Having completed the Desert Dash solo in 2016, Looser acknowledged that returning to the format after several years will present a significant test. She optimistically noted, "The miles are picking up, so that's good. And it's getting better week by week."The 401 km mountain bike challenge will provide her an opportunity to measure her abilities against some of the strongest riders in one of Namibia's toughest and most prestigious cycling events. Entries for the 2026 Nedbank Desert Dash opened in June, inviting local and international cyclists to take on the legendary cross-country challenge from 11 to 12 December.