Stage 1 is a journey through deep geological time. Graaff-Reinet and the Sneeuberg foothills sit on the Beaufort Group of the Karoo Supergroup, home to one of the world’s richest records of pre-dinosaur therapsids. As the route climbs towards Blaauwater, tyres cross sedimentary layers in many colours, laid down 252 million years ago, before the stage finishes on the Kingwills’ fourth-generation farm, where deep agricultural heritage meets deep geological prehistory. Justin Kingwill lines up in 2026 to race across his own ancestral land.
The Route
Graaff-Reinet sits cupped in a vast basin like an oasis in the Great Karoo. After rolling through historic streets and out of town, the route turns onto gravel and climbs steadily towards Conical Peak and the first Padstal of the race. Across wide working sheep farms, riders do well to find good company in a cooperative bunch, especially on the final 30 kilometres, where the Karoo’s afternoon winds often blow. Crossing into Blaauwater completes the opening stage and welcomes riders into the event’s original Burn Camp, home of the first Lapa: more than 20 circles of tents around flickering fires, with stretch-tent bomas in between where meals are served and stories shared.
The Racing
There is no warm-up on Stage 1. Pros and Age Group racers, many of them podium hopefuls, start their hunt for the prizes at the call of the kudu horn. Early splits on the first climb are guaranteed, and some “vasbyt” will be needed in the first half for anyone who wants to be in the mix at the end. The final 30 kilometres set another trap: the strongest use the energy-sapping false flats, chunky surfaces and relentless headwinds to their advantage, and losing the wheel in front here costs precious minutes before the first day is done.
“Wide open space. You feel like you’re really in the heart of South Africa.”
The send-off in Graaff-Reinet
Up to Conical Peak
Along the railway line
Blaauwater – the original Burn Camp
Map and profile
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Burn Camp
Race route
Padstal
Summit
PCToyota Power Climber
KMRed Bull KM
Technical descent
River crossing
Railway crossing
Finish
Paved
Gravel
Liaison
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Padstal
Summit
Technical descent
River crossing
Railway crossing
Finish