The Gran Fondo
- 170 kilometres, 2900 metres of ascent
- The start gun goes at 7:00am (Sunrise)
- New Waterpoint positions.
- Water-point One On the Middelwater climb at 55km
- Water-point Two De Rustica Olive Estate at 95 km
- Water-point Three - Kobus se Gat restaurant at 139km
- Water-point Four - The KOM point (Die Top) at 150km
- The last 3 km to the Swartberg summit (KOM) is at an average gradient of 12%
- The summit is at the 150km mark, from there it's a nail-biting 20km descent into Prince Albert
- Cut off
- Sunrise is at 7:04 and sunset is at 17:54, we start the race at 7:00 am and will make cut-off at sunset (17:54) on the finish line.
- For safety reasons we will have a cut-off at Water-point Three, at the base of the pass, at 15:34. You will not be allowed to continue if you do not pass this point before 15:34.
The Swartberg 100 Gran Fondo starts and ends in Prince Albert, arguably one of the most attractive Karoo towns in South Africa, it covers 170 km of which there are 3 gravel sectors covering 80 km. The final climb is over the gravel Swartberg Pass, a relentless climb of 28 km, the last 9.8 km being on gravel with gradients of 16% in places.
The Swartberg 100, in true South African tradition, is one of the toughest Gran Fondo's in the world. We have created a course that goes back to the days of old when mountain passes were all gravel and brave cyclists climbed them on single speed bikes weighing in at 16 kg. A course that allows us to pit our modern training knowledge and technology against an old foe, a road surface that isn't always friendly.
The Swartberg 100, in true South African tradition, is one of the toughest Gran Fondo's in the world. We have created a course that goes back to the days of old when mountain passes were all gravel and brave cyclists climbed them on single speed bikes weighing in at 16 kg. A course that allows us to pit our modern training knowledge and technology against an old foe, a road surface that isn't always friendly.
The Medio Fondo
80 km and 1800 metres of ascent.
It's a tough route which starts near De Rust and ends at Prince Albert traversing the Oudemuragie and Swartberg Passes.
We will have registration near De Rust on the morning of the race. Start time will be around 8 am. There is plenty of accommodation in De Rust, Oudtshoorn and surrounding farming area if you want to be close to the start in the morning. You could also drive to the start in the morning from neighbouring towns. There will be secure parking at the start of the race which is 7km after you turn onto the Oudemuragie Rd from the N12 near De Rust.
Cut-Off:
We have a safety cut off at Water-point One at 16:00 for the Gran Fondo, this will apply to the Medio Fondo as well. You therefore have most of the day to complete the course. Final cut-off at Prince Albert finish is at 18:00.
Distances to the start from neighbouring areas:
For spectators the finish in Prince Albert is an 81km drive on tar through Meiringspoort.
It's a tough route which starts near De Rust and ends at Prince Albert traversing the Oudemuragie and Swartberg Passes.
We will have registration near De Rust on the morning of the race. Start time will be around 8 am. There is plenty of accommodation in De Rust, Oudtshoorn and surrounding farming area if you want to be close to the start in the morning. You could also drive to the start in the morning from neighbouring towns. There will be secure parking at the start of the race which is 7km after you turn onto the Oudemuragie Rd from the N12 near De Rust.
Cut-Off:
We have a safety cut off at Water-point One at 16:00 for the Gran Fondo, this will apply to the Medio Fondo as well. You therefore have most of the day to complete the course. Final cut-off at Prince Albert finish is at 18:00.
Distances to the start from neighbouring areas:
- De Rust 5km
- Oudtshoorn 32km
- Calitzdorp 82km
- George 94km
- Mossel Bay 119km
- Knysna 149km
- Plettenberg Bay 182km
For spectators the finish in Prince Albert is an 81km drive on tar through Meiringspoort.
The start feeds onto the Oudemuragie road. At 15km you crest the Oudemuragie pass and from there it's a fast section down to the Cango caves road. A 20km climb up to the first water-point follows and then you face the brutal Swartberg Pass climb of 9.8 km on gravel. A spectacular gravel pass completed in 1888 which has not changed at all since then.
From the top you descend for 20 km into the finish at Prince Albert.
From the top you descend for 20 km into the finish at Prince Albert.