The hills of the Drakensberg are calling, with hundreds of riders set to tackle the foothills of the famous mountain range on Saturday July 26th in the annual Underberg Gran Fondo gravel cycle race.
This testing event is made up of three races – 140km, 90km and 41km – and is considered one of the most scenic events on the South African cycling calendar, with riders taking on the challenge under the spectacular backdrop of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site.
The 140km event has built a reputation as a slickly organised, all-round test of gravel riding with riders preparing for a challenge from both their rivals as well as a route that provides a great test of all gravel riding skills.
The first half sees riders using their bunch-riding skills as they roll through the river valleys, and then are forced to test their strength on the first big climb at about 60 kays. The second half of the loop is undulating and those riders who have paced themselves and put in the hours in training benefit – particularly as the time ticks towards five hours for the leaders.
While the 140km event is the main race, competitors also have the option of an easier 90km race and a relatively short 41km. Both the shorter events
The 2024 champions, Team Drive Train Academy’s Tyronne White and one of his trainees, Sanchia Malan from Index Property Solutions, are both expected be back to defend their titles.
The racing starts from 8am and all events start and finish at The Olde Duck restaurant just outside Underberg and follow the same route until first the 41km peels off and loops back to the start/finish. The 90km follow the same route as the long event for just over 60km, and just after the big climb out the Ngwangwane Valley, the riders split away and head back to Underberg. The 140km riders loop around and return through Himeville and then Underberg back to the finish.
Entries close on Wednesday at https://underberggranfondo2025.myactive.co.za/CaptureDetails/Home.aspx
