The Prologue

Meerendal Wine Estate
26km, 800m climbing

After rolling off the start ramp the route takes riders straight onto Meerendal’s custom-built trails before they tackle the challenging singletrack climb up "Stairway to Heaven" to the top of Dorstberg, a mountaintop boasting magnificent 360 degree views of world famous landmarks such as Table Mountain and Robben Island.

Pressed for time, teams will have to forgo sight-seeing as they dive straight into a rugged, Renosterveld lined trail that descends into the quarry and adjacent farmlands. A short section of tar follows before the route heads back onto the groomed trails of Hoogekraal farm, part of the Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club trail network.  A testing singletrack climb affords more spectacular views from the top before a fun roller coaster descent down the other side. The route then heads back through steep vineyards and a steady climb past dairy fields onto the picturesque Meerendal Wine Estate, finishing off with some more singletrack to ensure riders finish the first day with big smiles on their faces.