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The Route

2025 Route: SwitchBack

200 km | 3500m Climbing

At the FNB W2W, we pride ourselves that the route is king and should always deliver maximum gees and smiles for miles. This is why we introduced the Switchback edition back in 2021 and why race founder Johann Kriegler and race director Hendrico Burger together with the Cape Trails route team have been working tirelessly to improve and innovate on the in route year after year.

The Switchback is more than just a simple route reversal; it is a completely different experience, and having taken on board the riders' feedback, this route will no doubt be a smash hit.

The route boasts numerous berms and bridges, a historic portage down Gantouw Pass, an abundance of singletracks, and three Toyota Cruise sections. It guarantees an exhilarating race experience across various categories and thrilling rides for those simply out to enjoy the trails.

Stage 1

Benguela Cove to Oak Valley Estate

We start at the iconic Benguela Cove for the first time, with an easy beginning on gravel roads offering stunning ocean views before hitting the first singletrack. The historic Katpass is the main challenge of the day, but from there, it's an action-packed run all the way to the finish at Oak Valley Wine Estate.

Stage 2

Oak Valley Estate

It’s a classic Playday on filled with all your favourite sections, Vissie's Magic, Sounds of Silence, Snake Snatcher and Harrier Hawk on Oak Valley combined with the exclusive Paul Cluver trails like Rietvlei Magic, Pofadder and Bergadder to name a few. Exciting new additions: An exciting development at the Paul Clüver Amphitheatre and the Hoola Hoop Playpark near the finish! Expect fast and fun with just the right mix of technical challenge.

Stage 3

Oak Valley Estate to Lourensford Estate

The final stage starts at Oak Valley and finishes at Lourensford Wine Estate. It includes a compulsory portage down the historic Wagon Trail (easier than going up!), weaving through Idiom, Wedderwil, and Vergelegen. We’ve switched up the last big climb at Lourensford—it won’t be part of the route this year. Instead, we’ll take you on the stunning Canal Trail for the perfect finish to the Race with GEES.

 

Full route details will be made available during the year.
Get inspired and watch the 2024 route video below:

Route

192km | 4500m Climbing

At the FNB W2W, we pride ourselves that the route is king and should always deliver maximum gees and smiles for miles. This is why we introduced the Switchback edition in 2021 and why race founder Johann Kriegler and the Cape Trails route team have been working tirelessly to improve and innovate on the inaugural events’ route.

The Switchback is more than just a simple route reversal; it is a completely different experience, and having taken on board the 2021 riders' feedback, this route will no doubt be a smash hit

2023 is set to be magic and we want you to be a part of the Serious GEES. Entries are open!

More dramatic scenery, easier climbs, SeriousGEES!

Stage 1

Lourensford Wine Estate to Oak Valley Estate
Distance: 66km
Climbing: 1 350m

The adventure kicks off at the historic Lourensford Wine Estate, setting riders on a scenic journey to Oak Valley Estate over the historic Gantouw Pass.

Stage 2

Oak Valley Estate
Distance: 66km
Climbing: 1 250m 

Stage 2, known as the traditional "Playday," makes an emphatic return, brimming with excitement and flavour. Many trails have been carefully rebuilt and crafted to perfection after the floods of 2023

Stage 3

Oak Valley Estate to Benguela Cove
Distance: 64km
Climbing: 950m

After two days of unmatched riding, Stage 3 leads riders to an exciting new finish line at the picturesque Benguela Cove.

ENTER THE RACE WITH GEES

Experience 3 days of unforgettable riding at the FNB Wines2Whales