Stage 1 will take riders through the amazing Jonkersberg Nature Reserve, riding on exquisite trails, some newly built, some legendary in the area. This is a stage everyone will look forward to and will leave with great memories, the true essence of mountain biking personified.
This primarily single-track-stage can easily be underestimated due to the relatively short distance, don’t be fooled this day will keep you very busy.
Truly a spectacular stage with views of George and the ocean close by, this promises to be the highlight for those purists among us. Spectators can once again join in the fun with various points along the route accessible for friends and family.

START: Denneoord Primary School, George
FINISH: Denneoord Primary School, George
Distance: 57 km
Vertical ascent: 1750 meters

We leave the coast and head towards the interior, the route taking riders in a north-easterly direction towards Louvain, our hosts for the next two days. This stage is brand new and boasts a challenge of note.
Loads of marvellous single-track riding for the first 5 kilometres in the Saasveld area, and then onto the iconic Seven Passes Road towards the east, steep climbs and unforgiving descends mark the way towards Duiwelskop towering 1000 meters above the ocean. Then they descend into Louvain, which boasts a surprise or two, caps the hardest day in this years race. Enjoy your stay, tomorrow we leave for the Karoo!

START: Denneoord Primary School, George
FINISH: Louvain Guest Farm, Herold
Distance: 73.5 km
Vertical ascent: 2 350 meters

We have an absolute treat in store for you on stage 3, revealing the charisma of our beloved Karoo.
Sections of this stage were used during the days of Katot, the route founder of the initial Pioneer, an uncomplicated uncompromising man with a love for the land. The transition to Oudtshoorn is a challenging one, with fast dangerous jeep tracks and rough single tracks.
This day is where diversity is at, leaving the mild coastal climate and replacing it with something less compromising – that of the Karoo.
The difference in climate and terrain is evident as we enter the arid desert-like Karoo; riders approach Oudtshoorn from a different angle as we find our way towards Langenhoven Gymnasium, our hosts for the next couple of days.

START: Louvain Guest Farm, Herold.
FINISH: Langenhoven Gimnasium, Oudtshoorn
Distance: 90 km
Vertical ascent: 1 450 meters

The icon of the Pioneer will always remain, even though rated as one of the most challenging it has often been praised as the best. The mighty Swartberg Mountain is not accommodating, often not allowing riders to the top, treacherous and extreme weather always in play.
The Queen stage will be challenging, but those views make up for the effort. It will elevate riders more than 2000 meters vertically finishing at close to 2000m above the sea.
At the start, this stage leaves Oudtshoorn in an easterly direction negotiating the foothills of this great mountain as riders slowly find their way to the top. The final 8km is straight up to the best finish of any mountain bike race – the World Heritage site of Swartberg Mountain welcomes everyone to its beauty and splendour.
The overall yellow and pink jersey wearers should be decided here, tomorrow is another day.

START: Langenhoven Gimnasium, Oudtshoorn.
FINISH: Swartberg Mountain, Oudtshoorn.
Distance: 84 km
Vertical ascent: 2 100 meters

This stage, often regarded as one of the best, capping a week of fabulous riding is completely revisited for 2024. Most notably is the start, a climb will separate the field and could determine the overall outcome.
Of course, Chandelier is still on the cards, but with a twist, enough said, it is all about having fun and celebrating the achievements of the week gone by. 60 km of jeep-track up, single-track down!
A fast race to the finish at the Queens Hotel caps a brilliant week in the saddle – until 2025.

START: Langenhoven Gimnasium, Oudtshoorn
FINISH: Queens Hotel, Oudtshoorn
Distance 64 km
Vertical ascent 1 100 meters