Race2Hermanus | A fast, scenic and undulating bike route
- BIKE RUN TRI
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The scenic Hermanus bike route has an undulating profile that makes it fast, especially for riders who can maintain cadence over the rolling inclines.
The biggest challenges are temperature, knowing the course and staying vigilant.
Let's unpack each:
Temperature:
Having just swum in cold water, your core temperature may be low. Power walk the hill from the slipway to T1 — running will spike your heart rate and hurt later. Use that walk to strip your wetsuit to your waist and start warming up. For those who struggle most with cold, a gilet and/or arm sleeves are quick to add and remove.
Forecast: 14-18°C with no wind. Leave a warm drink in your transition box and have it before you ride. Pack your kit neatly — we have plenty in lost & found.
Know the course:
Three races share the bike route, so don't follow the rider ahead blindly — they may be doing a different distance.
Sprint: 10km out and back.
Standard: 21.5km out to Misty Mountain and back.
Ultra: 21.5km out, back to Marine Circle for a U-turn, back out to Misty Mountain, then 21.5km back to the harbour.
The mount/dismount line is at the harbour gate — walk your bike the 100m each way and don't run in cleats, they're slippery on tar.
Plan your fuelling:
Carbs and electrolytes matter.
Sprint: 1 bottle.
Standard/Ultra: 2.
There's a @biogen_sa fuel station on course for refills and Racefood bars. Stay alert & safe: You're sharing the course with 700 athletes and a busy town. Stay alert for pedestrians and dogs stepping out unexpectedly. The 500m from Gearings Point to Marine Circle is the busiest stretch — slow down, sit up and don't pass other riders there.Once you finish the ride rack your bike before you remove your helmet then pack your box before you head out to the run. Anything left outside it can easily be dragged away.
Stay safe and finish with all your skin! 🤙
