2km at around 5 %, peaking at 8 % are not stats that usually see groups ripped apart, but it could be the first of a punch combination for a final GC challenge, or a launchpad for stage hunters making a daring early break. It tops out near 650 metres. From here, the route rolls and dips across open farmland and scrub – nothing steep, but always undulating and always demanding of the riders.
The first Padstal appears after the 40km mark, before more undulations take the field toward the dip in the profile, just before the last-chancesaloon series of climbs. Long, fast ups and downs make for high-speed racing, and riders chasing glory will know they’ re running out of chances to go clear. At this point, the GC battle will be down to a few riders, and those out of the running will be keen for retribution, especially on the prestigious final stage.
Shortly before crossing the Shamwari boundary, the road tilts upward again. The day’ s last section of climbine begins at 70km – it’ s fair to predict that this is where the action will happen.
Then, the race drops down towards the finish – a long descent that runs almost uninterrupted all the way to the end. The surface is typical of game reserve tracks: fast and rideable, but loose enough to demand full attention. If it’ s all together here for the sprint, it’ ll be a“ who dares, wins” kind of finale.
STAGE 7
GWANISHI
Visser’ s Bluff
R400
N10
Unpaved Paved
Proctor ' s Brow
Padstal Summit
R342
SHAMWARI
51 NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN