Garden Route Giro

From Ocean Breeze to Karoo Grit – Mossel Bay to Riversdale

The Garden Route Giro begins where land meets sea, in the historic coastal town of Mossel Bay. Riders will set off with the salty ocean air at their backs, but the coast will soon fade as they head inland, trading crashing waves for rugged gravel roads and the rolling farmlands of the Garden Route’s hinterland.

The first taste of real adventure comes as the race winds towards Herbertsdale, through the vineyard-clad hills of Jakkalsvlei, where spectators can take part in the excitement – a stunning yet deceptive section where short, punchy climbs begin to test the legs. From here, the mighty Gouritz River looms—a dramatic crossing that signals the transition from lush coastal terrain to the drier, more open landscapes of the Klein Karoo.

With each pedal stroke, the scenery shifts—the roads become dustier, the air drier, and the wide plains of Riversdale stretch endlessly ahead. But the day isn’t done yet. A final push toward Oakdale High School demands every ounce of energy, as riders battle for positioning ahead of the first major finish of the Giro.
From the coast to the Karoo, Stage 1 is a journey of transformation—where the race truly begins. 

Conquering the Rooiberg – Oakdale to Calitzdorp

Stage 2 launches from Oakdale High School into the heart of the Karoo, with a fast start over the Garcia Pass—a breathtaking climb that rewards riders with sweeping valley views. The route winds past Muiskraal, where the first feed zone brings energy and excitement as spectators cheer riders on.

From here, the gravel hardens, the heat rises, and the race pushes toward VanWyksdorp, where Feed Zone 2 offers a chance to refuel before the true test begins: the mighty Rooiberg Pass. A relentless climb through rugged terrain, this beast of a pass separates the strong from the brave. But the reward? A thrilling descent into Calitzdorp, the jewel of the Klein Karoo, where a well-earned rest (and perhaps a sip of local port) awaits.
Distance, dust, and determination—Stage 2 is one for the fearless!

The Swartberg Ascent – Calitzdorp to Prince Albert

Day 3 dawns in Calitzdorp, where riders roll out past the dam and onto winding gravel roads that carve through the rugged beauty of the Klein Karoo. The pace quickens toward Kruisrivier, where Feed Zone 1 offers a brief respite before the terrain begins to shift—hinting at the massive challenge ahead.

The race builds toward its defining moment: the legendary Swartberg Pass. A relentless climb of over 1,000 meters, this iconic gravel ascent is as brutal as it is breathtaking, with hairpin bends and sheer cliffs that demand every ounce of strength. Conquering the summit is a victory in itself, but the reward is a white-knuckle descent into the Great Karoo, where the oasis town of Prince Albert and well-earned recovery await.
Stage 3 is a battle against the mountain—only the toughest will triumph!

The Calm Before the Storm – Prince Albert to De Rust

After the grueling ascent of Swartberg, Stage 4 offers a “flatter” reprieve—but don’t be fooled, this day packs its own set of challenges. Rolling out of Prince Albert, riders tackle the smooth tar of Kredouw Pass, a steady climb that warms the legs before the gravel returns. The route winds through the open plains of Middelwater, where the vastness of the Karoo stretches endlessly ahead.

Then, the magic begins—Meiringspoort, a breathtaking gorge where towering rock faces and flowing water create a surreal ride. But just as the legs start to relax, the final test looms: a high-speed criterium-style loop around the quiet hamlet of De Rust. With sharp bends, punchy climbs, and a technical sprint finish, bike handling skills are just as important as endurance.
Recover well—tomorrow’s stage is an absolute monster!

The Queen Stage – De Rust to Knysna 

This is the big one—the Queen Stage, where legends are made. A brutal 167 km with 2,500m of climbing, this day will test every rider’s endurance, resilience, and sheer determination.

Rolling out of De Rust, the peloton heads east toward Uniondale, passing the remote outpost of Barandas before reaching the first major spectator zone in Uniondale. Here, cheers and support provide a brief morale boost before the real battle begins.

Towering ahead is Prince Alfred’s Pass, a colossal challenge of gravel, switchbacks, and unrelenting gradients. Through the historic settlement of De Vlugt, riders grind their way up before plunging into the dense forests of Diepwalle—a magical yet punishing section where the air grows thick with the scent of Knysna’s ancient trees.

Then, at last, the ocean beckons! A lightning-fast descent into Knysna leads to one final uphill sprint to a spectacular finish overlooking the bay—a fitting reward for those who conquer the toughest day of the race.

The Grand Finale – Knysna to Wilderness 

The final stage is a well-earned victory lap, but don’t mistake it for an easy ride—this 75km rollercoaster still boasts six mountain passes before the celebrations begin!

Rolling out from Knysna, riders tackle the first climb up Phantom Pass, setting the tone for a day of constant ups and downs. The route flows past Rheenendal, then on to Karatara, where the only feed zone of the stage offers a last chance to refuel before the final push.

Through the forested embrace of the Big Tree, riders crest Wilderness Heights, before an exhilarating descent towards the shimmering lakes below. The road twists and curls toward Wilderness, setting up one last fast and furious sprint finish at the iconic Wilderness Hotel.

After a week of dust, sweat, and glory, the adventure ends with a well-deserved finisher’s party—because tonight, we celebrate.