Gondwana-Collection-Logo
Gondwana-Collection-Logo
  • Explore
    • Experience Namibia
    • Adventure Travel
    • Gondwana Card
    • Value Vouchers
    • Birding in Namibia
  • Travel Centre
    • Travel & Safaris
    • Lodges & Camps
    • Car Rental
    • Promotions
    • Corporate
    • Events & Weddings
  • News & Blog
    • News
    • Blog
  • About us
    • About Us
    • Sustainability
    • Gondwana Care Trust
    • Covid-19 Hygiene Measures
    • Investors
    • Partners
  • Agent Portal
  • Contact us
    • Get in Touch
    • Careers
  • Book Now
  • Menu Item 1
    • Sub-menu Item 1
      • Another Item
    • Sub-menu Item 2
  • Menu Item 2
    • Yet Another Item
  • Menu Item 3
  • Menu Item 4

Gondwana Collection Namibia , Trans Andes Challange , News , Aus Mountains , western namibia , Frank Snyman and Piet Swiegers , vista lodge , Namibian mountain bikers , Toshiba Namibia , mountain bike trails , Panguipulli , trans andes challenge , Patagonian Andes in Chile , downhill stretches , mountain bikers , patagonian andes , Klein-Aus Vista lodge

Namibia’s Flag hoisted in the Andes

By Bernd Grahl
February 10, 2012

The two Namibian mountain bikers Frank Snyman and Piet Swiegers both achieved excellent results at the Trans Andes Challenge from 23 to 28 January. Swiegers, the manager of the Klein-Aus Vista lodge business (Gondwana Collection Namibia), crossed the finish line after just 28 hours 51 minutes, coming in 22nd out of 40 participants in his class (men under 45). Frank Snyman (Toshiba Namibia) took an hour longer but with 29 hours 57 minutes nevertheless won 7th place in his class (men over 45). The two bikers were supported by their wives, Sophia and Christine, as well as numerous Gondwana fans on Facebook.

 

Frank Snyman (Toshiba Namibia) and Piet Swiegers (Gondwana Collection) before the start of the Trans Andes Challenge. Photo: Sophia Swiegers

 

The demanding six-leg race through the heart of the Patagonian Andes in Chile was driven on single tracks, off-road vehicle tracks and open terrain. It started in Panguipulli and ended in Pucón. The challenge was not posed by the distance that had to be covered per leg (50 to 82 km) but by the altitude that had to be negotiated: differences in altitude of between 1,780 m and 2,500 m had to be overcome every day. Of course there were plenty of downhill stretches as well, but the mountain bikers had to 'climb' 12,250 m in total.

 

Piet Swiegers (Klein-Aus Vista/Gondwana) and Frank Snyman (Toshiba Namibia) came thoroughly prepared for the event. The grounds of the Klein-Aus Vista Gondwana lodge near Aus in south-western Namibia were ideally suited for training: The mountain bike trails in the Aus Mountains are a mountain biker’s paradise. The first Klein-Aus Vista MTB Challenge was held there on 30 April and 1 May last year; the next one is scheduled for 29 and 30 April this year.

All posts
About Author
Bernd Grahl

You might also like
Best tips for travelling to The Desert Grace, Namibia
Best tips for travelling to The Desert Grace, Namibia
February 10, 2012
With the Gondwana Card every day is Black Friday
With the Gondwana Card every day is Black Friday
February 10, 2012
Social responsibility at the heart of Gondwana Collection Namibia
Social responsibility at the heart of Gondwana Collection Namibia
February 10, 2012
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT
Gondwana-Collection-Logo-Footer-1

Gondwana Collection Namibia (Pty) Ltd | Disclaimer | GDPR Compliance | Terms & Conditions

Subscribe Now

Stay up-to-date with our monthly Newsletter.

  • Book Now
  • Lodges & Camps
  • Safaris & Travel
  • Car Rental
  • News
  • Sustainability
  • Our Partners
  • Black Friday
  • Contact us
  • The Gondwana Card
  • Share Trading
  • Careers
  • Reservations
Copyright 2022. All Rights Reserved.