Here’s a selection of the best gravel and tarmac roads to inspire your training and ignite your racing stoke. There’s certainly no better way to explore our country’s beautiful landscapes…
BLUE DIAMOND CLASSIC
Cullinan, GP
Based out of the Casa Mia Country Estate, this September road classic features 99km, 79km and 10km distances on the roads around Cullinan and serves as a qualifier for Ride Joburg
in November.
Next race: TBC September 2023
KING PRICE RACE TO THE SEA
Franschhoek, WC
This spring 100 Miler features 164km and 2 300m of elevation gain as it takes riders over gravel, asphalt and single track on a route from Franschhoek to Hermanus. Riders go over the Franschhoek Pass, past Theewaterskloof Dam and through Botriver, Caledon and the Hemel en Aarde Valley to finish at the Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate.
Next race: Saturday 2 September 2023
BOLAND GRAVEL MONSTER
Wellington, WC
Hosted by De Villiers National Cycling, this promises a tough and rewarding hybrid riding challenge. The 150km (2 000m ascent) route presents a balanced mix of provincial and privately owned gravel roads, jeep track and quiet tarred roads. It summits both the
Bothmaskloof and Bainskloof passes on tar, followed by gravel descent trails.
There’s also a 100km Mini Monster, starting in Riebeek West which includes just the Bainskloof Pass and a total of 1300m of ascent.
Next race: Sun 17 September 2023
SATELLITE CLASSIC
Magaliesburg, GP
This popular spring Classic features a 106km route from Bekker School in Magaliesburg to Hartbeespoort Dam and back, with the category 3 Hekpoort Climb (4.5km at 4.8%) presenting an iconic challenge for roadies – especially those looking to better their seeding for the Ride Joburg cycle race. The 32km short route also takes in this climb on a smaller loop from the school and back.
Next race: TBC Sept/Oct 2023
BOLAND RACE OF TRUTH
Paarl, WC
This Team Time Trial event is for teams of 10 riders. Covering 190km (2 100m elevation gain), it leaves from Paarl and goes via Wellington, Tulbagh, Hermon, Riebeek Kasteel and Malmesbury over mildly undulating terrain with Bainskloof Pass and Bothmaskloof Pass as the signature challenges.
Next race: Sunday 1 October 2023
PRINCE GEORGE MONUMENTAL 100 MILER
Prince Albert, WC
This annual October offering from Dryland Events starts in Prince Albert and finishes
near George. Covering 165km with a vertical ascent of 2 800m, it takes riders over the
Swartberg Pass, through the Klein Karoo and over the Outeniquas on the Montagu
Pass, offering vast landscapes and non-technical routes perfect for gravel enthusiasts.
Next race: Saturday 14 October 2023
TOUR DU NORD
Krugersdorp, GP
This four-day October stage race covers a total distance of 371km and 4 225m vertical ascent. Based at Silverstar Casino on the West Rand, it comprises three road stages and one
two-part stage that features a short hill-climb individual time trial and a kermesse at Silverstar Casino.
Next race: TBC October 2023
AMASHOVA DURBAN CLASSIC
Durban
The full 106km Durban Classic starts outside Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishes under the Masabalala Yengwa Pedestrian Bridge near the Moses Mabhida Stadium. There’s also a 65km Half Challenge that starts in Cato Ridge and a 35km Fun Ride from Hillcrest to the same finish in Durban.
Next race: Sunday 22 October 2023
BOLAND 100 MILER
Paarl, WC
Starting at the Faure Street Stadium in Paarl and finishing on top of the Du Toitskloof Pass, this challenging October road race covers 159km and includes 2 250m of vertical ascent as
it travels via Wellington, Paardeberg, Stellenbosch, Helshoogte, Pniel and Simondium. Alternatively take on the 60 Miler (95km), which also finishes after a epic climb up Du Toitskloof.
Next race: Sunday 22 October 2023
CAPE CLASSIC 380
Montagu, WC
This 3-day spring event is limited to just 60 riders and features 380km of protected peloton riding. Day 1 has an out-andback route through the Koo Valley; a long Day 2 follows rolling roads to Swellendam and back, taking on the Tradouws of the Double Century route; while Day 3 traverses the Breede River Valley in a loop towards Robertson and Bonnievale.
Next race: TBC October 2023
Old Mutual Wealth Double Century
Swellendam, WC
South Africa’s premier endurance road cycling event sees teams of between 6 and 12 riders unite to ride the 202km circular route at the end of November every year. Featuring approximately 2 100m of climbing, the race starts in Swellendam and visits Suurbraak
and Tradouw Pass, Op de Tradouw, Montagu and Ashton, while side-swiping Barrydale, Robertson and Bonnievale before heading back to Swellendam.
Next race: Saturday 25 November 2023
PAARL CYCLE TOUR
Paarl, WC
The Faure Street Stadium in Paarl plays host to the race formerly known as Die
Burger Sanlam. The route presents a manageable challenge and doesn’t include any of the passes surrounding Paarl. The 105km features 1100m of vertical ascent while the 45km is a fun ride with just 500m elevation.
Next race: TBC December 2023
STANFORD 100 MILER
Stanford, WC
Featuring 169km and 2 358m of elevation gain, this dirt road classic favours the rouleur sharp enough to leave a bit in the tank for a few of the clever twists and turns towards the business
end of the course. It starts and finishes at the Stanford Hills Estate and takes riders on a tour of the Overstrand on a mix of clay hardpack and
slick tarmac-like gravel.
Next race: TBC December 2023