STAGE 4

A taste of the stage

Arguably, this is an 'active rest day' – a reprieve from a challenging week at 61km and only 550m of climbing. It is a fast, rolling stage that trends downhill towards the Klein-Visrivier valley then gradually upwards again – a stage of two halves with the Toyota Power Climb dividing it. Surfaces can be rutted and stony, depending on the recent weather. Although there is one Padstal, the faster groups are unlikely to stop. The level of difficulty will be determined by the racing, not by the terrain. For the podium chasers, the fast open road to the Windmill at the finish makes for an exciting sprint finish before spending another night at Merino Burn Camp.