Register Now for the Underberg Gran Fondo

The scenic Sani Spoors region of KwaZulu-Natal will once again play host to the Underberg Gran Fondo on July 27 2024. The 140km course is part of the Gran Fondo World Tour® GRAVEL Series

Now in its third year, the popular gravel race gives cyclists the choice of three distances to test themselves on the area’s rugged farm roads and trails: 140km, 94km or the family-friendly 41km Tour de Farms. 

The Gran Fondo has become a highlight of the South African cycling calendar, showcasing the stunning natural beauty of the Drakensberg and offering a challenging ride over a variety of terrain. The longest 140km route climbs over 2533 meters, taking riders deep into the foothills of the Drakensberg mountain range. The mid-length 94km course still packs plenty of climbing, with over 1419 meters of elevation gain. The Tour de Farms is tailored for less experienced riders and families, covering 41km of scenic gravel roads around the Underberg area. And you have until sunset at 17h 30 to finish.

Both races will take you through the stunning Bushmans Nek area before entering the Coleford Nature Reserve. Here you will see black wildebeest, blesbok, and if you are lucky, the very rare Wattled Crane which is also the logo of our event. The 90km route will stay in the Coleford Nature Reserve before heading back to the finish through Underberg and Sani Spoors.

The 140km route will leave the Coleford Nature Reserve to go through the Pevensey area. From here the views back to the Drakensberg are just amazing. On your way back to the finish you will go through Himeville and Underberg.

All three routes start and finish at the Sani Spoors Adventure Center, a hub for outdoor activities in the Southern Drakensberg. Sani Spoors offers camping and accommodation for those wanting to make a weekend of the event. The on-site restaurant and bar will also be open for riders and spectators on the day of the race.

Fees are 800R for the 140km and 700R for the 94km distances and 500R for the Tour de Farms. All riders will receive a race pack including a T-shirt, buffet breakfast before the start and lunch at the finish.

This route is MTB, Cyclo Cross and Gravel Bike friendly. Lights – Front white and flashing Red at rear are compulsory. Ebikes and Tandems allowed.

There will be prizes for the top 3 men and women. The distance allocated for the ebike race will be the 90km event.

Recommended accommodation includes Ripon Country Cottages, Elgin Farm and Pennygum Country Cottages.

The Underberg Gran Fondo is set to once again deliver an unforgettable experience for gravel riders and cycling fans in one of South Africa’s most scenic destinations.

Gravel racing has exploded in popularity all over the world and the growth of the relatively new facet of the sport in this country has been equally impressive, with the recent 165km South African Championships attracting more than 1,600 riders.

Gravel racing seems to have found a niche between the excitement of mountain biking and the bunch-racing nature of road riding. The sport has become attractive to road cyclists who enjoy the tactical elements of the events, but are wary of the technical side of some mountain bike routes.

Underberg Gran Fondo organiser Pierre Horn is excited about the upcoming event and expects the 2024 edition to be better than before.

“We have learned a lot over the past two years and taken heed of what the riders like and what they have asked for,” said Horn this week.

He also said: “We will not be making any major changes, because the feedback we have had is that the race is a good test of gravel racing, but there will be a few tweaks to improve what we offer.

“We are very proud of this region and believe the event is probably the most scenic gravel race in the country. Last year we got some spectacular photos of riders riding in front of the beautiful snow-capped Drakensberg mountain peaks.

“We try and create a route that offers something that tests a full range of skills. There are some big climbs, particularly in the 140km race, but that is balanced out by some wonderful, long, flowing descents.

“We know the race is not easy – 140km on gravel is never going to be easy – but we think we have created an event that tests riders and the winner knows he has earned the right to be called a champion.”

The 140km course is part of the Gran Fondo World Tour® GRAVEL Series. A ranking with races spread across 5 continents throughout the year, with Pro Cycling Stats ranking amateur gravel riders in partnership with Gran Fondo World Tour ® Series, providing an amateur ranking for gravel riding lovers. This ranking will be linked to the Gran Fondo World Tour ROAD series ranking, which covers a full calendar of events around the world where riders can pick up points.

For more information or to enter, visit https://underberggranfondo.co.za or click the button below to register now.

The first 100 entries of the 140km and 94km will receive a limited edition Underberg Gran Fondo World Series Salomon mid-layer garment.