Preview: 2027 Garden Route Giro | 6 days, 593km & 8725m of racing
Dynamic, Diverse, and Different: This is the 2027 Garden Route Giro Route
There are so many roads to explore. The 2027 Garden Route Giro does just that as it takes on an entirely different course to the inaugural edition, promising returning and new participants alike a unique riding experience while building on the successes of the 2026 race.
Taking place from the 19th to the 24th of April next year, the second Garden Route Giro will visit George, De Rust, Prince Albert, Volmoed near Oudtshoorn, Riversdale, and Hartenbos before returning to George. In total, the 2027 race will take in 593 kilometres of racing, 78% of which will be proper gravel, with 8 750 metres of accumulated elevation gain. Here’s a look at the route.
Stage 1 | The Crossing
Monday 19 April | Blanco in George to De Rust
The second Garden Route Giro begins in Blanco, in the shade of the mighty Outeniqua Mountains, and starts uphill. The first test, highlight, and stunning mountain pass is the recently repaired Montagu Pass.
Completed in 1848, it is the oldest unaltered pass in the country still in use today, and as it was nearly 180 years ago, it serves as a vital tether between the coast and the Klein Karoo hinterland. 15 kilometres of climbing will spread the field and make finding groups to cruise across the rolling Karoo roads in the primary challenge of Stage 1.
Stage 2 | The Open Road
Tuesday 20 April | De Rust to Prince Albert
For the second day in a row, the 2027 Garden Route Giro heads north, crossing out of the semi-arid Klein Karoo into the arid Great Karoo. Meiringspoort is the key to the transition and begins a day through a landscape which has inspired South African poetry and literature.
Authors with vastly different worldviews, such as C.J. Langenhoven and Thomas Hardy, drew inspiration from the terrain covered by Stage 2. Likewise, riders with different strengths could thrive on a day that may conclude in a sprint or see a long-range attack win out.
Stage 3 | The Mountain
Wednesday 21 April | Prince Albert to Volmoed near Oudtshoorn
An early intermediate sprint, for all-important points in the Protea Velo Jersey competition, will ensure a high-speed start to the biggest climb of the 2027 race. Swartberg Pass from the northern side is steep, with pitches that exceed 12%, and long at nearly 14 kilometres. Coming early in the stage, it presents the opportunity to attack early and then solo for 70 kilometres across the rolling roads of the Klein Karoo basin, or to gain King/Queen of the Mountain points before settling in for a tactical day out to Volmoed.
Beyond the racers, the vistas across the folds of the Swartberg and the poorts of the Lategansvlei Road offer insights into the geological diversity of a region which was shaped by floodwaters 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period.
Stage 4 | The Queen
Thursday 22 April | Volmoed near Oudtshoorn to Riversdale
The Queen Stage flirts with the mighty Rooiberg, rather than confronting it directly, but that should not lull anyone into thinking it will be an easy day. Rougher surfaces, truly remote back roads, and a harshly beautiful landscape await on Stage 4.
It is a route littered with climbs, where the power of each rider’s pedal stroke will determine their result rather than their ability to surf the wheels and benefit from the group. It will be an honest day, likely decisive in the general classification battles, and one which will live long in the memories of those who conquer it.
Stage 5 | To the sea
Friday 23 April | Riversdale to Hartenbos
Fast and undulating, the penultimate stage of the 2027 Garden Route Giro will balance the need to dig deep to remain in contact with efficient pelotons on the deceptively tough climbs of the Hessequa farmlands with the glory of being sucked along at high speed by a large group.
Pastures of grazing dairy cattle will gradually be replaced by vineyards, and then brief interludes of fynbos, as the route heads east. To the north, the Langeberg merges into the Outeniqua as the race nears Hartenbos, while the Indian Ocean glistens ahead.
Stage 6 | Full Circle
Saturday 24 April | Hartenbos to Blanco in George
Stage 6 is a celebration, a short and enjoyable day out devised for type one fun, after moments of type two, in the mountains earlier in the week. A climb off the coastal flats onto the plateau at the foot of the Outeniqua means it is not all fun and games in the opening kilometres.
Once up to speed, the 62/38 mix of gravel and asphalt means the distance will be ticked off in double quick time. Perfect for a long afternoon of relaxation before the finisher’s function at the Olympia Equestrian Estate.
Entry fees are R32950 currently, rising to R35900 in the new year with all meals and tented accommodation included. There’s more details over on there website – have a look, we think this one will be a banger! //