STAGE 1 PROFILE

An Exclusive Introduction to the Trails of Kaleo

Discover the hidden gems of Kaleo’s trails, meticulously crafted and curated by Ernst van Dyk. For years, he has kept these pristine single-tracks a well-guarded secret, adding new ones as recently as 3 months ago and allowing them to mature like a fine red wine. Now, riders have the rare opportunity to experience a dynamic 30-kilometre route that winds through lush orchards, past striking rocky outcrops, and across dam walls.

Designed to challenge and exhilarate, the course features short, steep climbs and exhilarating descents, promising an unforgettable ride. As part of Ernst’s exclusive “private reserve of trails,” this stage showcases the breathtaking and brand new south western landscapes of the Howbill farms—arguably the most scenic in the region.

With spectators in mind, this stage offers an electrifying start to the event, inviting everyone to share in the energy and excitement. Expect the fastest riders to complete the course in around 60 minutes, while others could take approximately 120 minutes to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

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 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 descend down the Old Gydo Pass – 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. 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.