2004
785km | 17 380m
An inaugural field of 550 riders took on a tough tour from Knysna to Stellenbosch , not really knowing what to expect . Some were in a state of shock over the length of the climbs – the first day between Knysna and George included 3 050m of climbing in its 120km , and the first 600m were gained almost immediately they left Knysna . With the race in early March , riders also battled extreme heat and high winds on the open dirt roads of the Klein Karoo . Then , in the Overberg , came the rain , and the trails above Swellendam delivered a mud sufferfest . Some of the biggest names in the sport lined up at the start , including stage race supremo Karl Platt , who teamed up with Namibian legend Mannie Heymans . They dominated the men ’ s race with six stage wins , and finished top of the GC with an overall lead of 20 minutes .
20 YEARS UNTAMED | MTB | 13