EMERALD PRINCESS
STAGE 3
START & FINISH
Oak Valley Estate, Elgin
103
KM 2800
DISTANCE
CLIMBING M
The Elgin Valley is a natural home for lovers of fresh food, cool-climate wines and
beautiful country living. The lush garden valley, only 45 minutes from Cape Town, has
been renowned for almost a century for its fresh produce – most notably apples and
pears. It is also home to some excellent restaurants, delis and wine estates. In recent
years the Valley has become a celebrated outdoor adventure paradise, particularly
for mountain bikers. Many local farms – including Oak Valley, Paul Cluver and Thandi
Estates – have developed excellent mountain bike trail networks.
RATING
THE ROUTE
No Absa Cape Epic sojourn in Elgin would be complete without an assault
on Groenlandberg. However, in 2019 this famed emerald mountain, although
the highest point on the route, does not earn the honour of being titled the
Queen Stage. Overshadowed, slightly, by Stage 5, it still provides a stern test
though. The day kicks off with the ascent of the Nuweberg, followed by the
Groenlandberg herself. The first elite rider crossing the highest point in the
race, at 1 100m above sea level, will receive a cash prize for the Dimension Data
Hotspot award. A white knuckle descent follows, then it’s upwards again on the
stage’s Land Rover Technical Terrain climb to Die Nek. In the Elgin Valley, far
below, a mix of rocky singletrack, concentration-demanding dual track and two
more infamous climbs await. There are riding rewards on offer too, following
the last significant climb of the day, on the initially rocky but always thrilling
Lebanon trails. Then the trail home follows the easiest possible route and
includes flowing singletrack through cattle-filled pastures, not a bad way to end
the day with the second largest accumulated altitude gain in the 2019 race.
152 | MTB | The Untamed African MTB Race