A taste of the stage

Stage 6 leaves Merino Burn Camp with a fast, flat 26 km gravel section — stay alert as the field spreads out. Riders tackle the Tarka Botha climb, 7 km of steady gradients, followed by a steep descent over cattle grids. At km 41, a river crossing precedes a rough descent — keep focus and enjoy the gorge views. Three more rideable river crossings follow before a fast, smooth 9 km section with possible farm traffic. The Waainek climb, 9 km with short, sharp ramps, is the toughest of the race, with stunning Karoo views at the summit, followed by a fast descent over tricky water channels. A 19 km tar section leads into 27 km of undulating farmland, with wind turbines in the distance and a penultimate finish framed by red flowering aloes.