WHERE WE’ RE GOING
STAGE 2
AVONTUUR TO WILLOWMORE
Distance: 1O8km Elevation gain: ± 1 15Om Elevation drop: ± 1 2OOm Highest point: 1 154m Surface: 83 % unpaved /
17 % paved
NOW THE RACE IS WELL AND truly in the Great Karoo, Stage 2 begins with a fast 13km of paved road. At 13.5km, the stage really kicks off when the road pitches up for the first time – a 2.1km rise gaining 74 metres. With fresh legs and group momentum, this section will pass quickly, but the pace will be white hot. When the field reaches“ champagne gravel” – hardpacked and rapid – the high-speed early stretches are where all will be jockeying for position and looking to control early moves.
The next key section comes at 26km. Known as The Shallot, it divides the stage clearly into two parts. The rise is not brutally steep, but it’ s enough for the stronger riders to apply early pressure and thin out the field. Those on the back foot will need to judge their efforts carefully with 80km still to go.
By the time the riders reach the summit, the front of the field will
32 NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN