ROUTES
The Cape Classic 380 is based in the small Western Cape town of Montagu, which is found on the famous Route 62. While this is a tour-style event, each day has competition segments that riders can choose to participate in.
DAY
|
Day 1: The Koo Valley Day 2: The Tradouws Day 3: A Cruise around the Breede River |
DISTANCE
|
100km 162m 70km |
ELEVATION
|
1500m 1870m 546m |
Day 1: The Koo Valley - Out and Back
Start from Konkelwyn, Kohler Street
Riders assemble at the start venue and ride up the majestic Koo valley, where the formidable Burgers and Rooihoogte passes await. The Stage is 100km long with a total climbing of 1500m. The ride out is along the beautiful valley with good road surfaces and provides two challenging climbs. The group will ride as a peloton, but given the nature of the climbs and descents, some splintering of the groups is inevitable. The main group may also be split into two based on the level of riders, which can only be determined on Day 1. The water point is at Oupa Batt se Winkel, located between the two passes, and stocks homemade snacks and refreshments that are out of this world. Cadence Nutrition will also be found at every water point, keeping riders fuelled throughout. The turning point is at the Rooihoogte summit and signals halfway to Day 1. Be prepared for lightning-fast descents, which, for safety purposes, will be controlled. For those who would like to compete in the Competition element of the event, there are three Day 1 competition segments.
Racing Segment 1: Burger’s Pass KOM | QOM
[Starts at the base of Burger’s Pass and lasts for 7km]
Racing Segment 2: The Koo Karoo Time Trial
[Starts in between the two climbs and ends at Oupa Batt se Winkel | Distance: 7.5km | Average speed record to beat: 55.4kph set by Joe Pieterse in 2024]
Racing Segment 3: Rooihoogte Pass KOM | QOM
[Starts at the water point and ends at the Rooihoogte summit at 1,234m]
Day 1 ends at BluVines for a light lunch and Competition Jersey Presentations.
Day 2: The Tradouws
Start from Konkelwyn, Kohler Street
Riders head out of Montagu through the iconic Cogman’s Kloof Pass and turn left before Ashton towards Swellendam. This is the longest Stage at 162km and 1870km of climbing. At 35km, the peloton joins the familiar roads of the Old Mutual Double Century route, which passes over Bakoondhoogte Pass and into the rolling roads. Based on the level of riders, the peloton will be split into two groups to satisfy those with a faster appetite versus those who would like to enjoy the tour pace. The first water point is at The Cheese Shop, which signals the end of the first Competition segment. For those wanting to compete in the Competition element of the event, there are two Day 2 competition segments.
Racing Segment 4: R60 Rollers Green Jersey
[Starts at 39km at the flagged section and ends at The Cheese Shop | Distance: approx. 14km]
Racing Segment 5: Tradouw Pass KOM | QOM
[Starts at the base of Tradouw Pass and ends at the day’s second water point]
Before the group gets to the Segment 2, we negotiate our way through Swellendam with the assistance of Swellendam Provincial Traffic department. After enjoying the breathtaking Tradouw Pass and a quick snack stop, we head towards the lunch stop at Diesel & Creme in Barrydale. The hardest part awaits after lunch, with the longest climb of the day – Op de Tradouw. Be prepared for breezier conditions to finish off a tough day, which is nothing less than rewarding when arriving back in Montagu.
Day 3: Breede Valley Loop
Start from Konkelwyn, Kohler Street
The final day will head out towards Ashton, and take a left at 18km (After Arabella).
For those wanting to compete in the Competition element, there is one Day 3 segment.
Racing Segment 6: The Breede Valley Dash Green Jersey
The flagged section will start immediately after the left turn onto the R317 at 21km. It will go straight on at the usual right hand turn which used to take us over the steel Rooibrug (which is sadly no longer there). The flagged section will continue for about 11km to the outskirts of Bonnievale.
