Early bird entries are now open for The Cape Classic 380 cycle race. Early-bird entries expire 30 April.
The three-day race is one of the highlights on the Langeberg area cycling calendar. On day 1 the race will take place in the Koo Valley – out and back, day 2 will see cyclists follow the Tradouws route and on day 3 the route will take riders round the Breede River.
The starting point for all three days is the Mimosa Lodge.
Day 1 (21 Oct): Riders will assemble at the start venue and ride up the majestic Koo Valley, where the formidable Burgers and Rooihoogte passes await. In between two climbs will be a light-hearted time trial of 7,5 km for those who wish to compete for the sponsor’s prizes and also to beat the sponsor’s own average speed record of 52,9 kmph set in 2018. The Stage is 100 km long and involves a total climb of 1 500 m. We will ride as a peloton, but given the nature of the climbs and descents some splintering of the groups will be inevitable.
Day 2 (22 Oct): Riders head out of Montagu again through the Cogmans Kloof Pass and turn left before Ashton towards Swellendam. At 35 km riders join the final part of the Coronation Double Century route passing over Bakoondhoogte Pass and those rolling roads. At 39 km the first flagged section starts and lasts for approximately 14 km and a water point at the Keurbomen Cheese Stall. Negotiating Swellendam with the assistance of Swellendam Provincial Traffic Department will see us on the N2 before turning for Suurbraak and a race up the stunning Tradouw Pass to determine the final KOM/QOM Jersey winners. After turning left onto the R62 a further 12 km, riders will stop for lunch at Joubert-Tradauw Wine Farm. Straight after lunch comes the climb of Op de Tradouw and its fast descent towards Montagu. The longest stage at 160 km and 1 870 m of climbing will be challenging but rewarding.
Day 3 (23 Oct): The new route introduced in 2021 was declared a picturesque success and will be retained for 2022. The route loops around the Breede River, and on leaving Montagu we turn left towards the Arabella Wine Farm. We cross the Breede River at the steel bridge, which heralds the start of a 14 km Points Jersey section, which finishes just before our water (and coffee) point at Bonnievale Cellars. After the drift bridge at Drew we turn left back through Bonnievale and another water point before returning to Montagu via Ashton. Finishing in Montagu at the Kloof Padstall for a champagne reception, lunch and prize giving, the stage is 106 km long with approximately 770 m of climbing. – Source: ww.capeclassic.info
