STAGE 1 PROFILE

AN EXCLUSIVE INTRODUCTION to showcase the tracks in and around Kaleo. Ernst van Dyk kept this beautifully cut single-track under wraps for many years, letting them settle like a good red wine. A punchy 26 kilometres are in store that flows through the orchards, past rocky outcrops and over dam walls. Prepare for steep, short climbs and magical downhills!

These tracks were meticulously built by Ernst himself and are part of his “private reserve of trails” that feature the Northern (and perhaps the most beautiful) side of the Howbill farms. The stage is designed with spectators in mind, so we invite you to share in the excitement of the first day’s adrenaline rush! Expect the faster riders to finish this in under 60 minutes and slower riders in around 120 minutes.

STAGE 1: OFFICIAL SPECTATOR & TECHNICAL POINTS

STAGE 2 PROFILE

SAKKIE AND HANNES HANEKOM, who needs no introduction as mountain bikers, are responsible for this amazing route. The track into the valley is  down an old ox wagon trail that boasts fast, winding single-track and jeep track descents. Riders will experience rocky outcrops that hug the foothills of vast mountains towering over the valley. The route is reverting back to its original format taking an anti-clockwise direction through the Witzenberg valley.

From water point 1 it is once again a myriad of beautiful singletracks and rock formations, an exit onto farm roads provides a bit of rest for the climb of the day. It is a very steep and challenging rise through an old pine forest where the field will no doubt split apart, with views of Tulbagh to the right, riders descend through a brand new section, aptly named “Hole in the Wall” to the valley floor below.

A ride through fruit orchards down in the valley bring riders to a brand new waterpoint and spectator point position at SIP, a lovely coffee oasis just before the exit of the valley. Waterpoint 4 awaits and then onto Kaleo. This will probably be the second hardest day of the 2023 race.

STAGE 2: OFFICIAL SPECTATOR, FEEDING & TECHNICAL POINT

WATERPOINT 1 | S33° 11.733′ E19° 16.155′

Official spectator and feeding zone 1 – 27km. From Kaleo take the R303 towards Ceres and turn right into the Witzenberg Valley, at the bottom of the valley turn right and follow the road for 5,4 km and turn right into the spectator point area. Please park out of the way.

WATERPOINT 3 | S33° 14.562′ E19° 16.956′

Official spectator and feeding zone 2 – 67km. From water point 1 turn back the same way you came, at the end of the road you will drive straight into the water and spectator point at SIP coffee shop.

NEUTRAL TECHNICAL SERVICE

Stage 2 will offer neutral technical service at water points 1 and 3 only.

STAGE 3 PROFILE

From Kaleo riders tale a ride through the orchards of the Bokkeveld and towards the Ceres valley. The approach to and a new descend down the Old Gydo Pass, the same as in 2022  – hold onto your bike, this descend is not for the faint-hearted. Once in the valley, riders will join the trails used in previous years and descend over a legion of bridges and down exhilarating single tracks towards waterpoint 1.

Undulating farm roads lead to the infamous Merino Monster – the climb of all climbs. Taking into account the weather, distance covered before the climb, and testing gradient; the Merino Monster is possibly the meanest climb in South African mountain biking!

It is all worth the effort when 8km’s of descend await on the other side of Merino! It is a very rewarding day out with four water points and over 2000m of climbing in store! Not to be underestimated and most probably the hardest of all stages.

STAGE 3: OFFICIAL SPECTATOR, FEEDING & TECHNICAL POINT

WATERPOINT 1 | S33° 18.290’ E19° 22.320’

Official spectator and feeding zone 1 – 35km. From Kaleo take the R303 into Ceres and turn left into Sarel Cilliers Street, drive for 4.2km until you reach water point 1. Please park out of the way.

WATERPOINT 3 | S33° 14.766’ E19° 30.256’

Official spectator and feeding zone 2 – 64km. From water point 1 take the R303 towards Prince Alfred Hamlet, proceed through the town and turn left at the directional arrow towards the R46. Proceed until you reach the R46 and turn left towards the Theronsberg pass, drive for 10km and turn left towards Merino. Follow directions. Neutral technical service Stage 3 will offer neutral technical service at water points 1 and 3 only.

NEUTRAL TECHNICAL SERVICE

Stage 3 will offer neutral technical service at water points 1 and 3 only.

STAGE 4 PROFILE

BRAND NEW STAGE, HERE WE COME, Koue Bokkeveld style! We have shortened the stage and are introducing loads of new tracks for 2023. A short jeep track section, will take riders to the south onto single-track heaven, never before ridden during this stage.

Mountain biking at its best, Ernst didn’t miss a beat in building these flowing and exciting trails. Around 45km’s of single-track will be unleashed – trails that will truly create a riding experience like no other! The changes implemented on this stage will significantly alter the historic race dynamic of this race, with the best left for last – a 5km single-track descend finale into the race village. The most fun you will have on a bike this year!

STAGE 4: OFFICIAL SPECTATOR, FEEDING & TECHNICAL POINT

WATERPOINT 1 | S33° 08.229′ E19° 25.678′

Official spectator and feeding zone 1 – 24km. From Kaleo follow the directional signage towards Loch Lynne

NEUTRAL TECHNICAL SERVICE

Stage 4 will offer neutral technical service at water point 1 only.