WHERE WE’ RE GOING
STAGE 5
BLAAUWATER TO MERINO FARM
Distance: 137km Elevation gain: ± 1 58Om Elevation drop: ± 1 47Om Highest point: 1 73Om Surface: 55 % paved /
45 % unpaved
STAGE 5 IS THE MOST significantly different in character and the second longest, most direct transition of the week, with the most paved roads. After two stages spent deep in the remote Karoo, this route might look like a breather on paper. But it would be a mistake to underestimate it. While the smoother surface is a welcome change, the climbing profile – and the summit finish – make this a stage that demands tactical know-how and serious climbing legs.
Riders leave Blaauwater Farms after spending two nights in the bespoke Burn Camp. The 10km heading out will be the last gravel they’ ll see for 70km. The day begins with a steady rise on tar to the highest point of the stage – 28km long in total, topping out at nearly 1 800 metres. With the moderate gradients, GC challengers looking to make an early move will need to put in a bold yet risky attack. For all, a solid warm-up is essential – those not in a group over the top will spend a long, lonely time in no-man’ s-land.
From there, the route rolls steadily
44 NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN