The routes for each day have been designed so that they offer riders great trails, spectacular scenery and beautiful flowers.
As with any good mountain bike trail, there will be a mix of everything… tough climbs, fast downhill’s, a few technical sections, sand and loads of free-flowing sections for pure riding bliss!
Please click on the date below to download the route for the day.
Friday 30 August 2019: Prologue Day 1 - 18 km
Prologue - Day 1
Start and finish at Darling Golf Club – Stage 1: distance 18km & elevation 335m
Plenty of climbing and not the easiest stage to start your race but will get you warmed up and into the mood. A nice Friday afternoon challenge in the Darling Hills!
Distance: 18km Ascent: 335m
First decent climb of the afternoon is Lanner Hill, home of the Lanner Falcon. Then ending at the start of Windmill Alley a short burst to the water tanks and then aim for the highest point of the day at Bokkop. Enjoy your view of Darling from here before heading home to your race village.
Saturday 31 August 2019: Day 2 - 71 km
Day 2
Start and finish at Darling Golf Club – Stage 2: distance 71km & elevation 1330m
This is the longest day of the race. A punchier route gives you a killer compact day of fun – another day of real mountain biking awaits!
Distance: 71km Ascent: 1330m
A slow start brings you to the top of Hendri’s Hill and then a fast descent to Glen Frank Farm. Make sure your brakes are working. Then winding up again to the top of Frans Steyn Hill will make sure you are warmed up for the day ahead. Windmill Alley awaits to take you into Doornfontein Wildlife Estate. You might be lucky to see some game before you head to the Alexanderfontein vineyards.
A culvert under the R315 takes you onto some fast farm roads on a circuit towards to the next climb at Klipberg. The route flattens out through a few more farms and will give you time to focus on the wine waiting at the finish line!
Sunday 01 September 2019: Day 3 - 53 km
Day 3
Start and finish at Darling Golf Club – Stage 3: distance 53km & elevation 913m
This stage is an action-packed selection of the close to home hills. If you can climb and know how to descend you will get back in record time.
Distance: 53km Ascent: 913m
All the climbing is at the beginning of the stage. At the summit of Kapokberg, 459m above sea level, there are spectacular 360-degree views of the Darling Hills and the ocean in the distance. Some rolling hills through the vineyards will take you to your second water point at Cloof Wine Estate, home of fine wine and Rocking the Daisies.
The final leg is a fast flat surge next the railway line that will see you finishing your stage race and finally be rewarded with some relaxation at the race village after your hard efforts.