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RACE TO PAARL (2025)

 

The Race To Paarl (RTP) is an unforgettable adventure by bike from Willowmore to Paarl. Riders are allowed a maximum of 6 days to complete the ride. 

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RTP is a physically and mentally demanding undertaking – to complete this challenge, riders need to be adequately trained, equipped and prepared. Apart from the fitness, riders also need to be proficient at navigation and bike maintenance.

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Since the route is not marked, riders need to navigate by means of maps, compass and narrative directions.
 

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DATES

 

  • Start days on 21 - 23 June 2025

  • Draft Batches HERE

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BASIC INFORMATION

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  • Non-stop event, riders are not required to stop every day/night as in other stage races

  • There are 4 Support stations where riders must check-in. Food and basic accommodation is provided at support stations. Bedding and towels provided

  • Riders can pre-pack 4 x 2litre ice-cream tubs with supplies such as maps, trail food, personal medications, spares etc. These are distributed to the 4 Support stations

  • In addition to the 4 support stations, there are also 4 interim stops where food and accommodation is provided

  • Solo event and all riders are required to be self-sufficient and carry all their own personal belongings with them

  • No individual seconding is permitted during the event – this means that no friends, family or other supporters may meet you along the route and offer assistance during the ride

  • Cut-off: Riders are allowed a maximum of 6 days to complete the ride

  • Rider vehicles can be transferred from Willowmore to Diemersfontein at additional cost (2025 = R2200 plus VAT)

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 ENTRY FEES AND DEADLINES (RTP 2025)

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  • Early-bird entry R13,000 paid in full by 31 July 2024

  • Normal entry R14,500 paid in full by 31 Jan 2025 (pay instalments of your choosing)

  • Late entry/Extended payment R15,000 paid by 30 April 2025 (pay instalments of your choosing)

  • Enter RTP HERE

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THE ENTRY FEE COVERS THE FOLLOWING:

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  • All meals and accommodation at support stations and interim stops whilst in competition (max 6 Days)

  • Pre-race dinner and accommodation at the pre-race briefing in Willowmore

  • Dinner and accommodation at Diemersfontein on the day/night you finish

  • Access to the downloadable set of 1:50 000 topographical maps and narrative descriptions of the race route (Pre-printed Maps cost R650 incl. VAT and delivery)

  • Transport of one small bag per rider (clothes etc) to be collected at the finish (bike bags also transported by request)

  • Shipping of 2 litre race support boxes from Race Office (Cape Town) to support stations along the route (max 4 tubs per rider)

  • Official race garment

  • Beaded protea trophy (to all official finishers)

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PAYMENT TERMS AND WITHDRAWALS 

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  • Deadline for all entry fee payments is as per entry deadline above

  • Start batch place is only booked once entry at least 10% (of normal entry fee) paid

  • You may pay in instalments of your choosing, please use same invoice number on all instalments

  • Withdrawals before 31 January 2025 will receive 90% refund of total entry fee

  • Withdrawals before 12 May 2025 will receive 80% refund of total entry fee

  • Withdrawals before the first batch start date will receive 70% refund of total entry fee

  • Withdrawals after the first batch start date are non-refundable

  • Map payments are 100% refundable before 31 January 2025 and non-refundable thereafter.

  • Entrant may elect to rollover refundable amount to entry fee the following year.

  • Event organisers may need to alter start batch allocations to best suit event logistics. Every effort will be made to do this to entrant requirements but altered start date does not affect payment and withdrawal terms.

  • If event does not take place due to Force Majeure, pandemic or political unrest then you may chose between rollover to postponed date or following year at no extra cost or refund as per above withdrawals and refund terms.

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RACE ROUTE

 

The route passes through the Swartberg and Winelands sections of the Freedom Trail which traverses a wide variety of off-road terrain including dirt roads, farm roads, old historical wagon routes and animal tracks. Apart from the riding, there a few portage sections where riders will have to hike, push and even carry their bikes. It includes the iconic Gamkaskloof and Die Leer hiking route out of Die Hel. On the final day RTP riders have the choice of hiking through Stettynskloof as per the RASA route or talking the touring route option via Slanghoek and Bainskloof Pass. Many of the trails retrace old historic wagon routes which are no longer in regular use. 

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