The first transition stage, from Hermanus to Oak Valley Estate, traverses wild country nestled within pockets of manicured agriculture. 100 brutal kilometres of raw, natural trails separate the race villages. Sections of purpose-built singletracks and brief flirtations with district roads provide moments of respite on smoother surfaces. 2 300 metres of climbing makes for an arduous day on the bike. The challenges begin from the gun, with a climb out of Hermanus and into the wild; then trails deep in the fynbos lead into Wildekrans where tight and twisty trails make gaining momentum difficult. Onwards and upwards from Botriver up Kat Pas through Houw Hoek Inn before tackling the back of Tierkop. From here the fast sweeping singletrack of Jakkals awaits before Paul Cluver provides the final climbs before a high-speed, high-risk, high-reward run into Oak Valley Estate ensures the stage ends on a high, ahead of the time trial on Stage 4.