Namibia Cycling Federation (NCF) president Axel Theissen says the newly inaugurated BMX track in the northern town of Outapi is a dream come true for the development of the sport.

NCF inaugurated the BMX track at Outapi during the first week of November 2022.

In an interview with Nampa on Tuesday, Theissen said it was an honour to construct the track and it is hoped that it will change the lives of young people for the better.

“The Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Namibia BMX Nationals were held in Outapi a week ago and it attracted eight BMX centres from all over Namibia, with a total of 96 cyclists taking part in the event,” he said, adding that RMB was the title sponsor of the event.

Theissen added that the International Cycling Union (UCI) sponsored 20 new BMX bikes which will be in the care of Hilja Ekandjo, who runs the ‘RMB Kids on Bikes’ programme in Outapi.

He explained that the NCF had, as part of its longer-term cyclist development objectives, identified the need to construct BMX tracks in regional areas of Namibia, hence the development of the Outapi BMX track.

Theissen further stated that the construction of the track was successful because the Outapi Town Council provided the NCF with a long-term lease on a piece of land.

“The RMB Kids on Bike programme in Outapi was historically one of the most active and dynamic BMX centres and we hope with the donation of the bikes, they will be able to derive an income from staging events and training sessions there in future,” he said.

Theissen said the track was constructed with the financial assistance of RMB, a development grant received from the UCI and LeMa Events (Nedbank Desert Dash organisers), and Andjamba Construction, who were contracted to build the track.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency