A sundrenched odyssey

The 2024 King Price Race to the Sea, held on Saturday, 31 August, was a resounding success, marked by exceptional weather and a route that highlighted the remarkable landscapes of the Western Cape. Under clear skies and bright sunshine, riders embarked on a journey that combined physical challenges with the exceptional natural beauty of the region.

From the outset, riders were met with a significant test of strength as they tackled the 7-kilometre ascent up the Franschhoek Pass – the imposing Franschhoek mountains providing a dramatic backdrop throughout. The climb, though demanding, offered breathtaking views underscoring the grandeur of the landscape.

Matt Beers and Danielle Strydom flew up the pass to claim the King and Queen of the Mountains when they reached the top of the climb ahead of their rivals. 

A thrilling descent and magnificent views were the rich rewards for such a gruelling climb. The undulating route down to the Sea was characterised by the bright yellow hues of the now-famous canola blooms – a picturesque setting that has encapsulated the unique charm of this race!

Water points along the route were more than just a pit stop; they were a haven. Stocked with a variety of great food and refreshments, these stations provided riders with the energy and hydration needed to tackle the demanding course. Our nutritional sponsors, PVM and Idea Fruit, pulled out all the stops, ensuring that each station was a true oasis. The provision of fresh fruit, energy bars, and various snacks kept participants energised and motivated as they progressed along the route. Thanks to PVM and Idea Fruit, riders were well-fueled to take on every challenge the course threw their way.

Elite Race

Put your hands together for Matthew Beers who not only took King of the Mountain 7 km into the race but also clinched the win for the fourth consecutive time! While Marco Joubert put up a tenacious fight and managed to hold on for most of the race, Matt’s winning experience on the course paid off, and he snapped the elastic in the last 20 km. Marco crossed the finish in second, and Namibia’s Alex Miller rounded off the podium in third.

🥇 Matt Beers – 4:28:50

🥈 Marco Joubert – 4:31:44

🥉 Alex Miller – 4:33:29

Congratulations!

Elite Ladies

In the ladies’ race, our reigning SA Gravel Champion, Danielle Strydom, delivered a stellar performance to take the win this year. The race wasn’t without its challenges, though. Both Danielle and Sarah Hill missed their crucial feed at Waterpoint 3, around the halfway mark. This forced them to make an unexpected stop at Waterpoint 4, located around the 90 km mark. In long-distance racing, nutrition is key, so they really had no choice but to stop and refuel.

Danielle managed to break away, creating a significant gap. However, Sarah Hill wasn’t about to let that lead go uncontested. Over the next 60 kilometres, she fought relentlessly to close the distance, showcasing incredible resilience and determination. In the end, Sarah claimed second place after a massive effort, with Nicolette Griffioen rounding out the podium in third. It was a race full of grit, strategy, and sheer willpower.

🥇 Danielle Strydrom – 05:43:32

🥈 Sarah Hill – 05:43:39

🥉 Nicolette Griffioen – 05:53:15

A huge congratulations to our Elite Women’s field on conquering the gruelling course.

50-Miler

Congratulations to Johan Schonken and Brigitte Joubert, the winners of the 50-miler distance, who completed a tough but incredibly scenic 82-km route.

This is the perfect introductory race for those not quite ready to face 100 miles on a bicycle. We hope to see all of our 50-milers on the start line of the 100-miler in Franschhoek next year!

This year’s route was truly spectacular, largely due to the exceptionally good weather on the day. It featured interesting trail features, scenic little bridges, and stunning landscapes that offered delightful moments in between gruelling climbs and sometimes seemingly never-ending gravel roads.

The 2024 edition of the King Price Race to the Sea gravel race once again reaffirmed its status as a premier event on the South African gravel riding calendar.

Thank you for joining us!