Three Sisters

Rusty Gate is, unquestionably, among The Race That Measures All’s most revered climbs. Usually, the assault on it features a pre-amble, a warm-up; but not so in 2022. Leaving Elandskloof, it’s Rusty Gate from the starting blocks, followed by undulating kilometres along the banks of the Theewaterskloof Dam. The eastern ascent of Franschhoek Pass provides the race’s longest section of asphalt, before a trail new to mountain bikers leads the race into the picturesque Huguenot village. More singletracks await on the banks of the Berg River Dam before the route crosses the river; from there it is uphill once more, first gradually and then steeply, over Botmaskop. The day’s final descent to Stellenbosch hints at the rewarding riding still to come in the Absa Cape Epic.

FAST FACT

Stellenbosch is home to a uniquely South African grape that is enjoyed the world over, Pinotage.

Route Director's Tip

Three big climbs characterise Stage 5 and the first of the three is right out the gate – a warm up is highly recommended to get the blood flowing. Thereafter, Franschhoek Pass tests the legs but it is, fortunately, the longest stretch of asphalt in the race. The third and final climb is Helshoogte; just when you think you're at the top, think again as it then heads upward into Botmaskop. Pack your climbing legs and be sure to use the undulating riding between the climbs to recover.

Go to article: Absa Cape Epic 2022 Chapter 2Go to article: Message from AbsaGo to article: Absa VAFGo to article: Message from ExxaroGo to article: CM.comGo to article: All the WinnersGo to article: WoolworthsGo to article: Mixed CategoryGo to article: Absa CIBGo to article: Message from Dimension DataGo to article: Dimension DataGo to article: NTT MastersGo to article: Absa QhubekaGo to article: Grand MastersGo to article: Exxaro Jersey CompetitionGo to article: ExxaroGo to article: Absa African JerseyGo to article: Absa Home LoanGo to article: Ciovita: Dressing for the OccasionGo to article: CiovitaGo to article: Unfinished BusinessGo to article: Tsogo SunGo to article: Next ChapterGo to article: Absa Cape Epic 2022 Chapter 1Go to article: Founder's MessageGo to article: Mayor's WelcomeGo to article: Breaking NewsGo to article: The Art Of SurvivalGo to article: 2022 Route OverviewGo to article: Lourensford & Somerset WestGo to article: Prologue Sunday 20 MarchGo to article: Stage 1 Monday 21 MarchGo to article: Stage 2 Tuesday 22 MarchGo to article: Stage 3 Wednesday 23 MarchGo to article: Elandskloof, GreytonGo to article: Stage 4 Thursday 24 MarchGo to article: Stage 5 Friday 25 March Go to article: The BolandGo to article: Stage 6 Saturday 26 MarchGo to article: Stage 7 Sunday 27 MarchGo to article: The Epic SeriesGo to article: Reliving the 2021 Race