The Karoo to Coast is an annual 100 km mountain bike race held in September down the Prince Alfred's Pass from Uniondale to Knysna in South Africa. In 2007 this was voted one of the top ten mountain bike races in the country. All proceeds go to the Lions Clubs International “SightFirst” fund, financing sight restoration surgery for the poor.
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Started in 1999, this event is considered extremely arduous along a route of which 93% is on gravel roads, from a high point of 1045 m down to sea level, with many long and gruelling climbs, often in high temperatures. The first 15 km section follows the “Ou Wapad” or wagon trail, possibly the only technical portion of the race, the rest being on good gravel, but with many ascents and fast speeds. Leaders of the race usually finish in about 3 hours, though the scenic beauty of the route, which crosses the Outeniqua Mountains and winds through dense indigenous forest of Gouna near the end, rewards those who take their time.
More than 3000 riders took part in the 2012 race, which also saw the death of a 55-year-old male competitor from a cardiac arrest in the closing stages of the race.
2012 Top Results
Men:
Women: