Route
Oct 26 - Nov 1
KNYSNA TO SHAMWARI
Oct 26 - Nov 1
KNYSNA TO SHAMWARI
A 7-day, 800km full-service gravel stage race across South Africa’s diverse landscapes, from coastal forests into the Great Karoo, with nights in remote Burn Camps and a wildlife-rich finale.
1,894m
786km
1O,36Om+
1O,O2Om-
Shortly after Nieu-Bethesda lies Owl Hill — a steady climb on relatively smooth gravel. The gradient may be moderate, but the sting comes from the timing, on a long undulating day, and don't linger for long in town and let the legs cool. With more than 25km still to ride from the summit, manage energy and fuel smartly.
Vissers' Bluff is steep and sharp enough to provide a launchpad for early moves in the Pro categories. For the whole field it's the morning's wake up call for the legs before tackling a challenging final day.
Blue Crane may not be the big final climb of the day like Swaershoek Pass. But it's punchy enough to sting tired legs before the final run-in to the finish. especially this late into race week.
The final climb of the day will seem like an endless drag after hours in the saddle. With some steep kickers in an otherwise steady rise, the true test of Tafelkop is how much is left in the tank before the final roll in to Burn Camp.
The rise before one of the most technical descents of the week, Kom Pass itself may not make huge demands on the riders. It's what they demand of each other. A classic Karoo drag, it's loose and exposed and really gets going in the last 2km as we reach the highest point of the week.
This early climb is in two parts, setting the tone for the day. Tafelkop ends part 1 and take note of the surface because the route heads back the same way in the stage finale. Part 2 to the peak is not the steepest climb of the week but with three days in the legs it'll be a true separator.
Conical Peak tops out at 1,622 metres and is the highest point of the day, and marks the conclusion of the majority of the day's ascending. The long, steady climb, arguably from the first 15km, demands pacing and the ramp up in the final section will create early time gaps before the technical descent.
Steenkop, at 76km, marks the top of a gradual gradual drag from 58km. Gradients are far from challenging, till the stronger riders pile on the pressure to thin out the group as it ramps up.
Simola Hill rises steeply from Knysna’s lagoon, testing riders early with this short but sharp climb on tar. Although it's just long enough to be a leg-burner that separates the field out right from the start, there's time in the flatter parts for the patient riders to pick up the pieces.
The penultimate stage presents the race’s final major obstacle as riders make their way towards Middleton. Although the average gradient may not appear unusually onerous, the climb features an extended series of steep ramps that make it especially challenging.
Early in stage 6, we head into the more remote parts of the route, ascending on the tracks that lead to one of Nedbank Gravel Burn’s more treacherous sections. Stay sharp while navigating the rugged Tarka-Botha Pass towards Witmos. The scenery is superb, but this will demand much attention.
With its highest point at 1,616m, Swaershoek (brother-in-law) Pass forms part of the district road between the Eastern Cape towns of Nxuba (formerly Cradock) and Pearston. The road surface remains in good condition, but an elevation gain of 470m in the closing kilometres will keep riders honest in the finale.
The route on stage 5 prescribes an early ascent, starting from the base of the imposing Lootsberg. At this point in the race, the smooth tarred surface offers a pause from the rugged paths they’ll encounter during raceweek, letting riders focus on tackling the gradient.
Kicking up sharply at around the 26km mark on stage 2, the aptly named Shallot is a sharp ascent that was specially prepared for Nedbank Gravel Burn. It opens the next chapter of the race as we head towards the Western Cape / Eastern Cape border.
Completed in 1867 by Thomas Bain, Prince Alfred’s Pass is a popular destination for locals, tourists and Strava subscribers alike. Said to be South Africa’s longest publicly accessible mountain pass, boasting an abundance of local flora and fauna, it will provide a leg-scorching challenge as much as a sightseeing opportunity.
The highlight so far was the 2021 Worldchampionship in Italy, where I could get the rainbowjersey on a course with 5000 meters of climbing. I love the adventure of long distance races in the remote mountains or deserts. I also did the Nedbank Desertdash back in 2016, love such adventures and wish to do more of that stuff in future.
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NIGHT BURN
Our Chase the Fox style criterium (for qualifiers and wild cards only) kicks off just past sunset after Stage 3. Bonfires light the loop at Burn Camp. Music from live DJs and the cheers of fellow riders make for a race atmosphere unlike anything else.
Squirt —
Bike Maintenance Partner Squirt is a South African innovation success story – trusted by riders around the world for its biodegradable bike care products. From its original long-lasting chain lubricant to its range of bio bike wash and sealant solutions, Squirt helps keep bikes at the race clean and running smooth.
Meerendal –
Wine PartnerOur partnership with Meerendal Wine Estate brings together the raw adventure of our race and the refined craft of one of South Africa’s most respected winemakers. In October, riders will enjoy a curated selection of Meerendal’s fine wines, specially chosen for the event—a true taste of South Africa.
Red Bull –
Energy Drink PartnerRed Bull powers the high-tempo build-up to the Night Burn – from the Red Bull KM qualifier on stage 2 to the energy, lights, music and pure after-dark adrenaline of Night Burn, held after stage 3.
Since 2001, the South African College for Tourism has been empowering marginalised youth in rural and peri-urban communities, creating opportunities in hospitality and conservation. With its focus on women’s empowerment and skills development, SACT has played a vital role in shaping the vision for our Burn Camps.
Vulpro –
Conservation Partner We’re inspired by the resilience of the wild landscapes we traverse — and few species embody this spirit like vultures. VulPro, Africa’s leading vulture conservation organisation, is fighting to protect these remarkable animals from the brink of extinction.
Knysna –
Start Town
The jewel of the Garden Route has a history in off-road stage racing. Knysna marks both a beginning and a homecoming — the launchpad for a new gravel adventure shaped by decades of legacy.
Graaff Reinet –
Host Town
Graaff Reinet is South Africa’s fourth-oldest town – steeples, stories and proud Karoo identity. Surrounded by mountains and rich in Karoo heritage, this is the gateway to the Karoo and is a key race milestone.
Blaauwater Farms –
Host Location Nestled in the heart of the Karoo, beneath the watchful Lootsberg mountains, Blaauwater is a place shaped by time and tradition. Home to the Kingwill family for generations, it stands as a testament to resilience and connection to the land.
Himoinsa —
Remote Power PartnerBurn Camps are set up in remote corners of the Karoo, from scratch, where there was once just a patch of dusty, spiky ground. Now, the Burn Camps are bustling villages with power, lighting, heat, cold and running water — in many ways thanks to Himoinsa, a global leader in generator technology.
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