The new start venue adds a fresh dimension to the race, with the Franschhoek, Aasvoël and Sonderend mountain ranges rising around riders as they gather at the line, and the challenge and reward of the Rusty Gate Pass within the opening 20 kilometres. From the summit, sweeping views across the Overberg open up before familiar gravel roads return, dropping below the wind turbines, through the ripening canola and wheat fields, and on towards the finish at the gorgeous Benguela Cove on the Whale Coast.