Off to the races!
This is what’s hip and happening this year. The best collection of one day and stage races in the country, across road, mountain and gravel. We are truly fortunate to stay in such a beautiful country with so many options for cycling, bot on and off the road. Which events are you doing this year?
Here we go, in chronological order, complete with dates and videos:
ATTAKWAS: 20 January 2024
The Attakwas Extreme of #HellOfTheSouth is South Africa’s toughest extreme one-day mountain bike race, held on 20 January 2024 this year. Will you be there? For the very brave we have the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme MTB Challenge presented by Biogen, 121km with a 2900m vertical ascent and for the not-so-faint hearted we have the Attakwas Half, 47km with a 1100m vertical ascent. More on https://www.atta.co.za/
TANKWA TREK: 8-11 February 2024
South Africa’s Premier Four-day Stage Race. The iconic four-stage race takes place from 8-11 February 2024 as one of the first UCI events of the season. With breathtaking trails through the Bokkeveld and winding routes in the Witzenburg area, this race features some of the most unique scenery South Africa has to offer. From Kaleo guest farm. Have a look at https://tankwatrek.co.za/
THE HERALD CYCLE TOUR: 18 February 2024
The PE Herald MTB race is on the weekend prior to the main event. MTB race day is 11 February 2024 at the Addo Polo Club. Road race days are 17 February 2024 for the juniors and 18 February 2024 for the seniors, both from Pollock Beach in Summerstrand. You’re in good company with testimonials from Tiffany Keep, Malcolm Lange, Anriette Schoeman, Aidan van Niekerk, Gert Heyns, Maroesjka Matthee, Declan Sidey and Brandon Downes. Entries in https://heraldcycletour.co.za/
PE TO PLETT: 21-28 February 2024
Take on South Africa’s most diverse stage race and #KeepTheCadence. The 2024 edition of the M&G Investments PE Plett is taking on a slightly different format to the previous 10 years of the event where our riders will be starting their journey from Kurland in the Crags and ending in J-Bay. More time exploring the Tsitsikamma Forest in 2024, meaning riders will enjoy the comfort of the same race village for 2 nights in a row at Storms River before moving on the 3rd at Assegaaibosch. Enter on https://peplett.co.za/. There are 2 ways to ride in 2024:
- PE Plett Ride (timed): 21-24 Feb 2024
- PE Plett Tour (not timed) 25-28 Feb 2024
TOUR DU CAP: 4-8 March 2024
The Tour du Cap is a 5-day road cycling race that invites you to Come enjoy the breathtaking scenery the Boland has to offer. Starts & finishes in Wellington. 1st Stage loops to Gouda, Bainskloof and back. 2nd Stage is a TT hill climb up Bainskloof pass. 3rd Stage goes for Malmesbury, Riebeek, Hermon and back. 4th Stage goes to Stellenbosch, Helshoogte and back. 5th and last Stage loops to Malmesbury, Windmeul and back. So you will be very familiar with certain roads by the end of the week. Details on https://www.tourducap.co.za/
CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR: Sunday 10 March 2024
The Cape Town Cycle Tour, previously known as the Cape Argus, is an annual cycle race hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, usually 109 km long. It is the first event outside Europe to be included in the UCI’s Golden Bike Series. Most entrants were 42000 on that sweltering day in 2004, and after the cancellation in 2017 and covid that followed, numbers dwindled to 16000 finishers in 2022. But it remains one of my favourites, and it’s picking up again, as on https://www.capetowncycletour.com/
ABSA CAPE EPIC: 17-24 March 2024
Will you become an Amabubesi this year? The 20th Edition of The Untamed African MTB Race. The Absa Cape Epic is held in a place where anything can happen: Africa. In this place, where roads hardened year-round by the sun can turn to quicksand overnight, you and your partner will be challenged mentally, physically and emotionally. The 2024 edition marks 2 decades of the untamed race and this year will be 8 days, 700km and 16000 meters of climbing. Africa is calling at https://www.epic-series.com/capeepic
AQUELLE TOUR DURBAN: 20-21 April 2024
The organising committee and all the relevant stakeholders for the aQuellé Tour Durban have confirmed and finalised the date for the 2024 event, and riders can now book the weekend of April 20th and 21st for the most fun you can have on a bicycle. Expect some exciting new additions, developments and improvements for the 2024 races, so watch the aQuellé Tour Durban details on https://tourdurban.co.za/
IRONMAN® & 70.3® PORT ELIZABETH: 21 April 2024
Nelson Mandela Bay—named after the freedom fighter and world icon of peace — hosts Africa’s most renowned triathlon. An IRONMAN Championship race that pulses with South African spirit, experience the breathtaking courses and feverish support at this postcard-perfect beachside destination. Find Scintillating South African Scenery by entering The Isuzu Ironman African Championship on https://www.ironman.com/im-south-africa — and there is also a 70.3® event on the same date.
KAP SANI2C: 24-27 April 2024
One of my absolute favourites! And you have to take the opportunity to cycle up Sani pass before the start. The KAP sani2c is a three-day, 265-kilometre mountain bike stage race, which takes place in the south-eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa. Routes and entries can be found on https://sani2c.co.za/. There are three versions of the annual, three-day event, which takes place over a total of five days:
- Sani2c Trail 23-25 April 2024
- Sani2c Adventure 24-26 April 2024
- Sani2c Race 25-27 April 2024
SWARTBERG 100 GRAN FONDO: 27 April 2024
South Africa’s premier gravel bike race and a qualifying event for the TREK UCI Gravel World Championships. Oh so many options. There is the 170km Gran Fondo, a 75km Medio Fondo. Then there is a fast and flat 43km route that can be done as a Piatta (self-powered) or Ellectrica (for e-bikes). And a Grand Fondo relay in the form of a 95km Rouleur or a 75km Grimpeur. There you have it. Enter on https://www.swartberg100.com/
WATERBERG TRAVERSE: 3-5 May 2024
The Glacier Waterberg Traverse is a three-day mountain bike stage race that takes place in the spectacular bushveld of the Waterberg. Summerplace Game Reserve, near Vaalwater in Limpopo, hosts the event and is only 2.5 hours from Johannesburg. A major draw card is the non-competitive atmosphere of the race – one that encourages riders to slow down and spend quality with loved ones. Book on https://www.waterbergtraversemtb.co.za/
GREAT KEI TREK: 3-5 & 10-12 May 2024
Three days of sublime riding in the Eastern Cape Wild Coast. Each day is an out and back route, starting and finishing in Morgan Bay. Stunning vistas, breath-taking scenery, and fantastic riding, designed to suit all riders. Each day is no longer than 60km, and the water points are unique in every way possible. Offerings include toasted sandwiches, boerie rolls, and even pizzas. Plus of course some extra surprises along the way. Have a look on https://greatkeitrek.co.za/
RACE TO THE SUN: 11 May 2024
Start the year with a 100 miles from Hartbeespoort dam to Sun City. Ride Solo or opt for a Relay Team of two riders. There are 5 Water points a Finisher’s medal and a Superb value virtual goody bag. Race to the sun is a 100 mile gravel and mountain bike journey from Hartbeespoort Dam to Sun City. This is the race that will make your year awesome. Entries are open but limited! And there is also a 50 miler option from the Halfway point at Beestekraal Kerk in Roodekoppies to Sun City on https://racetothesun.co.za/
36ONE MTB CHALLENGE: 24-26 May 2024
This is South Africa’s ultimate race with 361km and a maximum of 36.1 hours to complete it. While this race remains a mountain bike race in our opinion, participants now have the flexibility to take it on with a gravel- or mountain bike, so choose wisely! If you are not up for the full Challenge you can take on The Half or opt for The Relay in a team of 4. Enter #TheUltimateRace on https://www.the36one.co.za/
GREAT ZUURBERG TREK: 25-28 May 2024
A premier 3-day mountain bike stage race or an electric mountain bike tour in the Great Zuurberg, surrounded by the Addo National Park offers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty of South Africa’s Eastern Cape region. Riders will navigate through a diverse landscape, from open grasslands to dense forests, all while enjoying panoramic views of the region’s breath taking landscapes. More on https://greatzuurbergtrek.co.za/
IRONMAN® 70.3 DURBAN: 2 June 2024
Anything is possible and this event gives you an opportunity to explore the Zulu kingdom. Is this the easiest 70.3 event available? You be the judge. The 2024 ISUZU IRONMAN 70.3 Durban offers Age Group Qualifying slots to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship on 14 – 15 December 2024 in Taupō, New Zealand. More on https://www.ironman.com/im703-durban
FREEDOM CHALLENGE: 17-26 June 2024
The Freedom Challenge, or Race Across South Africa, is an unforgettable 2150km adventure by bike which takes riders to remote parts of South Africa where they will experience the true splendour of the country and the warm hospitality of its people. From PMB to Wellington. No GPS! Since the route is not marked, riders need to navigate by means of maps, compass and narrative directions. More on https://www.freedomchallenge.org.za/. There are also shorter events that form part if the complete challenge and can be done separately as follow:
- Race to Cradock 13-17 March 2024
- Race to Willowmore 22-26 March 2024
- Race to Rhodes 21-25 June 2024
- Race to Paarl 3-5 July 2024
AROUND THE POT 1000 MILER: end-July 2024 TBC
Last year’s edition was cancelled due to adverse weather and we are still waiting for the 2024 date To be confirmed. Either way, Riders will depart from Swellendam and will experience 160km of gravel road, racing towards the Potberg mountain. They will then cross the Malgas ferry in a 45min neutral zone before riding the last 60km back towards Swellendam where the Gravel KING and QUEEN will be crowned each year. Shorter routes also on https://www.aroundthepot.co.za/
STORMSRIVER TRAVERSE: 9-11 August 2024
The Tsitsikamma Village Inn Situated In Storms River Village will host riders on this 3-day mountain bike stage ride. With tracks hugging the rugged coastline and views only seen on postcards, this ride is designed for the intermediate cyclist looking for an adventure without having to spend hours training every day. The daily distances range from 40-70 kms and will traverse the mountains, plantations and coastline adjacent to the Village. Details on https://www.stormsrivertraverse.co.za/
TRANSBAVIAANS: 10 & 17 August 2024
Is this the the toughest single stage race in the world? you decide. Over 230km to be completed in 24hrs through the stunning Baviaanskloof down to Jeffreysbaai. It is so popular that it comes over two weekends, ie The Race on 10 Aug 2024 and the following week The Repeat on 17 Aug 2024. I absolutely adore this one and have done 5 of them already. On to the next one. Enter at https://www.transbaviaans.co.za/
RACE TO THE SEA: 31 August 2024
A 100 mile journey from Franschhoek to Hermanus, the King Price Race to the Sea takes you across 100 scenic miles of gravel, asphalt and single track, with a total elevation gain of 2300 m – this promises to be one of those truly unique events not to be missed! There is also a 50-miler from the Halfway point to Benguela Cove, perfect for riders 15 years and older looking for a new challenge or those not ready to take on the 100-mile distance yet. details and entries on https://racetothesea.co.za/
OLD MUTUAL GO2BERG: 13-19 September 2024
A tour, a ride or a race? The Old Mutual go2berg is a full-service, 6 and half day mountain bike, and gravel, stage ride through the heart of South Africa. The stages are challenging but very doable for those who put the effort into their preparation. The Mountain bike route is mix of rural gravel roads, farm roads and loads of single track trails. The Gravel bike route will be specific for gravel bikes. More on https://www.go2berg.co.za/
KAROO TO COAST: 22 September 2024
The Lions Karoo to Coast 100km MTB challenge is the largest 1 day MTB race in south Africa, with entries capped at 4500 participants for the 2024 race. It goes from UNIONDALE to KNYSNA via the Prince Alfred’s Pass. The route is scenic, challenging and riders are encouraged to train sufficiently for this event in order to maximise the enjoyment of the experience. Who is cycling to the start again this year? Let’s go. Entries on https://www.karootocoast.com/
CAPE PIONEER TREK: 1-5 October 2024
Rediscover the race with soul. Over the past 15 years, we’ve explored the Karoo and Coast, journeying from Prince Albert to Riversdale, and from Calitzdorp to Mossel Bay. We’ve crossed rivers, conquered vast mountain ranges, faced natural disasters, and triumphed over pandemics. This expedition has led us to unveil our best route yet – 2024 promises a challenging, diverse, scenic, and ultimately rewarding experience along the Karoo and Garden Route. See https://capepioneer.co.za/
PRINCE GEORGE 100 MILER: 19 October 2024
Prince George is the most diverse one-day race you’ll ever experience. It is a monumental race from the dark side of the Swartberg Mountain Range at the Northern slopes in the Great Karoo through the Klein Karoo region over the Montagu Pass with dense forest plantation and a finish at the coast in George. The vast landscapes and diverse overload of this non-technical routes are the perfect race for all mountain and gravel bike enthusiasts. See https://www.princegeorge.co.za/
AMASHOVA CLASSIC: 20 October 2024
Welcome to the Amashova Durban Classic: The Oldest Road Classic Cycle Race in South Africa, held on 20 October 2024 this year. It runs from PMB over the valley of a thousand hills down to the coast at DBN and there are 3 distances to choose from, ie the longer 100km+, the medium roughly 65km and the short route at just under 40kms, to fit everyone’s level of fitness. Which one are you doing this year? Enter on https://www.shova.co.za/
947 RIDE JOBURG: 17 November 2024
It’s your time to be part of the biggest annual celebration of cycling in South Africa. Start & Finish your race at the FNB stadium, soccer city, the calabash, in the heart of Joburg. Go fast or go slow. Ride for a Purpose greater than yourself. Or chase down a personal best. Join the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg journey that will ultimately lead to fitness, friendship, health, and happiness. Experience the richness, contrasts, colours and sounds of the City on https://ridejoburg.co.za/
IRONMAN® 70.3 Mosselbay: 17 November 2024
End the year on a high. The ISUZU IRONMAN 70.3 MOSSEL BAY African TriClub Championship is dubbed The Race to Inspire. Mossel Bay offers scenic beauty of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains and the azure blue sea, rolling green hills and pastures, rich agriculture, and culture. Fynbos, aloes, dolphins and whales, a place one can only describe as paradise – a tourists dream. Mossel Bay’s history is unique and was pivotal to the development of the rest of South Africa. More on https://www.ironman.com/im703-mossel-bay
Karooburn TBA 2024
242km, almost 2000m of climbing and 6 waterpoints, but will this be held again in 2024? We certainly hope so. The News24 Karoo Burn boasts the longest straight gravel road in Southern Africa! With scorching temperatures and vigorous winds, this race will separate the braggarts from the brawn. Do not miss out on this Great Karoo mountain and gravel bike race. Details on https://www.karooburn.co.za/karoo-mountain-bike-race/
WINES2WHALES: 1-10 November 2024
The race with GEES! The FNB Wines2Whales was born out of the desire to create a world-class 3-day stage race in the Western Cape of South Africa. Since inception in 2009, the three events (Shiraz, Pinotage & Chardonnay), aptly named after the wines of the area, have become a must-do event on the mountain bike calendar. Its biggest drawcard is undoubtedly the route, which has been perfected over the past decade. Enter on https://www.epic-series.com/wines2whales
DC DOUBLE CENTURY: 23 November 2024
The DC is a 200km TTT team time trial race starting in finishing in Swellendam. Check out last year’s awesome online event guide. The route goes from Swellendam to Suurbrak, over Tradouw pass to Barrydale, then up Op de Tradouw pass and rolling down to Montagu, over the bridge in Ashton, to Robertson, back to Bonnievale, Drew and onto the big rolling hills back to Swellendam. Enter on https://doublecentury.co.za/
THE MUNGA: 27 November to 2 December 2024
The toughest race on earth? Depends on who you ask. Either way, this is how race director Alex describes it: At the Munga we celebrate what it is to be human. We know the fight. And what it means to grovel, and grind, and crawl in desperation to the light at the end of the tunnel. We know what it’s like to hang on to a thread, but claw and pull it back till it’s a tight rope, and walk that thin line, balancing the life and death of dreams, till at last we lean forward and the momentum of action carries us inexorably towards our destiny! More on https://themunga.com/ there are also shorter version:
- Munga Grit USA 30-31 March 2024
- Munga Grit Tankwa 26-28 April 2024
- Munga Grit North West TBA
- Munga Equippe relay on the main event
This insider’s look video from Willie Smit on his first outing, well done:
So,
Where are we cycling this year? Send your bike with #bicyclecouriers 🙂
1 Comment
Key point from Tourducap — shorter stages and hill climb iso TT stage so no need to bring down extra bike from JHB less admin*