Next April, some of the world’s finest gravel racers will be pinning on a number and lining up on the start line for a brand new gravel stage race – the Garden Route Giro which is being organised in South Africa’s Western Cape. Described by organisers as “a six-day gravel odyssey through some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes on the planet”, the Garden Route Giro sounds like it will be pretty special. Want to find out more? Then read on….

“It’s got so much variation. We went through some tropical rain forest type areas. But there’s also semi-desert areas. You’ve got epic climbs with fantastic views over to the ocean. It has everything really and it will test a rider out, because you’re going to have different climates as well. Too many highlights to choose from really.”

Dryland Event Management, who are organising the Garden Route Giro, recently laid on a test event where they invited a select group of gravel racers to come and try out a cut-down version of the event, so that they could give their feedback. Dryland, who host more than 10,000 racers each year in their existing portfolio of mountain bike and trail running events, plus their privately run leisure and corporate tours, have the knowledge, expertise and skills to put on a gravel event, but even so, they must have been pleased with some of the feedback they received “It’s an exciting route, with such varied terrain and varied surroundings. It’s definitely worth putting on your 2026 calendar. Just so many incredible roads and so much space. This is what people want – wilderness and adventure. I think this race will be absolutely massive in 2026.”

So what is the Garden Route Giro and why should you consider signing up? Dryland describe the event as “a six-day gravel odyssey through some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes on the planet.” Racers will cover 684 km and climb over 11,000 m during the six stages of the race, but will be extremely well looked after. The entry fee of R29,000 (approximately £1300/€1500) covers “all on-route essentials, daily lunch, access to the final night’s finisher function dinner, and one night of formal accommodation at the Wilderness Hotel following the last stage.”

This is what’s included in the entry fee:

• Complimentary Race Bag/Container: To transport your luggage
• Lunch: Enjoy a scrumptious lunch daily, starting from 13 April 2026
• Race Apparel: Exclusive gear for entries confirmed by 13 February 2026
• Mechanical & Medical Support: Professional assistance available throughout the race
• Waterpoints: Stay hydrated at regular intervals with our legendary water points
• Biogen Supplements: Boost your performance with trusted nutrition on and off the bike
• Live Tracking: Real-time participant tracking for safety and updates
• Finisher Medal: Take home a symbol of your accomplishment
• Finisher's Function Dinner: Access to a memorable post-race celebration function at Wilderness Hotel on the 18th April 2026
• Finisher's Function Accommodation: Complimentary accommodation for ALL participants at the Wilderness Hotel for the evening of 18 April 2026.

An obvious question from most potential participants would be “what is the riding like”, so we put that to the organisers. This is what they told us “Riders will experience a mix of fast-rolling farm roads, technical descents and remote backcountry tracks, leading into the untouched beauty of De Rust before finishing in Wilderness, where lush coastal forests and ocean views provide a spectacular finale. Each stage offers a distinct challenge, from the rolling gravel roads and forested trails of George to the rugged climbs of Riversdale, the dry, open terrain of Calitzdorp and the iconic mountain passes near Prince Albert.”

Participants have a choice of staying in a tented village, which will be moved by the organisers each day to the next location or upgrading to either 3-4* or 4-5* hotels depending on your budget. You can also bring your own tent or bring your own camper van (and crew to drive it). The optional extras include a bike maintenance service during the event, a massage package, meal packages for any supporters you bring, airport (and bike) shuttles at the start/finish and even the option to have someone drive your vehicle from start to finish or venue to venue.

Although the GRG is a timed event and it’s expected to attract many top level racers, it’s not mandatory to race. The organisers explain “While the event is timed and competitive for those who want to race, you’re equally welcome to ride at your own pace and simply enjoy the journey, scenery and camaraderie.” There’s plenty do in the evenings too “Each host town offers cultural, culinary, and scenic experiences. From port tasting in Calitzdorp to beach sunsets in Wilderness, there’s something for every kind of explorer.”

If you would like to find out more about the Garden Route Giro, head over to the event website.