Compassberg’s towering dolerite cap is an ancient volcanic intrusion, hardened against millions of years of Karoo erosion. In a loop around its base, riders cross seven million years of fossil-bearing rock, a landscape that has drawn some of the world’s leading palaeontologists. Beneath the mountain lies Nieu-Bethesda, a village seemingly lost in time. Best known for Helen Martins’ Owl House, it is also where the landscape inspired Athol Fugard’s play The Road to Mecca. Artists and sheep farmers alike still make their lives here, far from the modern world.
The Route
From Blaauwater, riders circle Compassberg, at 2,502 metres the Eastern Cape’s highest peak, its summit a comforting landmark in an ever-shifting landscape. Riders who want to soak it all up should find a steady rhythm, look around and let the terrain set the pace. Hard climbs lead to sweeping descents and wide views across mountain valleys before the route threads through Nieu-Bethesda. Two Padstals stocked with AMACX nutrition keep riders fuelled, with enough left for Owl Hill and a final steady climb, and a fast descent back into Blaauwater that needs full attention.
The Racing
Stage 2 demands brawn, brains and bravery in equal measure. Riders chasing the Orange leader’s jerseys, the Toyota Power Climber jerseys or the Teams Classification must stay with the front of the race on the punchy climbs around Compassberg. Skill and judgement come to the fore on fast descents over surfaces that rattle bones, bolts and bottles. Riders willing to push the limits can put time into their rivals here, before the Tafelkop finale and the last descent into Burn Camp.
“Compassberg is the highest peak in the area, about 2,500 metres. Whenever you see it, it dominates. Past generations would definitely have used it as a point of reference to understand where they were.”
Navigate by the mountain
Circling Compassberg
Through Nieu-Bethesda
Two Padstals to refuel
Map and profile
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Burn Camp
Race route
Padstal
Summit
PCToyota Power Climber
KMRed Bull KM
Technical descent
River crossing
Railway crossing
Finish
Paved
Gravel
Liaison
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Padstal
Summit
Technical descent
River crossing
Railway crossing
Finish