South Africa’s gravel racing scene will reach a new milestone in April 2026 with the launch of the inaugural Garden Route Giro. Designed as a true test of endurance and consistency, the six-day stage race will cover 685 kilometres of gravel roads, mountain passes and remote backcountry routes. Starting just outside Mossel Bay on 13 April and finishing in Wilderness on 18 April, the race blends tough competition with some of the most scenic riding the country has to offer.
The route winds through the Garden Route, Hessequa, Klein Karoo and Great Karoo regions, crossing six mountain passes and showcasing the diversity of the Western and Eastern Cape landscapes. Importantly, much of the route traverses the globally recognised Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the world’s richest botanical regions. Organised by Dryland Event Management, the Giro promises the polished logistics, attention to detail and hospitality the company is known for.
Serious Prize Money Raises the Stakes
A standout feature of the Garden Route Giro is its significant prize purse. A total of R700 000 will be shared across categories, making the event one of the most lucrative gravel races in the region. The elite men’s and women’s overall champions will each earn R100 000, with R50 000 awarded to second place and R30 000 to third. Prize money will also be paid down to fifth place in the elite categories, ensuring aggressive racing well beyond the podium battle.
In addition to the general classification, riders will compete for sprinters’ and climbers’ honours, with both jerseys and cash prizes on offer. The points category winners will receive R25 000, reinforcing the organisers’ aim of creating constant competition and multiple races within the race across all six stages.
Opportunities for Age-Group Riders
The Garden Route Giro is not only about elite racing. Age-group competitors are central to the event’s philosophy, with meaningful rewards across all categories. Men and women racing in the Amateur (19–39), Veterans (40–49), Masters (50–59) and Grand Masters (60+) divisions will compete for cash-equivalent vouchers redeemable at any Dryland event.
Winners in each age category will receive vouchers worth R15 000, with second place earning R7 000 and third place R3 000. This structure ensures competitive racing throughout the field and keeps riders engaged across categories, stages and age groups.
Jerseys Inspired by the Cape Floral Kingdom
Adding further depth to the event are the fourteen leaders’ jerseys, all inspired by the flora of the regions the race traverses. Designed by Isabel Grimbeek, the jerseys draw directly from the Cape Floral Kingdom, with the Protea — South Africa’s national flower — forming the visual and symbolic centrepiece.
Protea species can be found growing in the veld alongside the route on all six stages, making the design inspiration a literal reflection of the landscape riders will experience. Elite men and women will race in yellow-toned Protea Aurea jerseys, while sprinters will be recognised with bold purple Protea Velo jerseys. Climbers will wear Protea Rosa jerseys, featuring contour-style graphics that echo the elevation gained during the race.
Age-category leaders will don Protea Nocturne jerseys, a deep midnight blue design inspired by the star-filled Karoo skies. Subtle, ghosted Protea motifs appear across all the jerseys, symbolising resilience, adaptability and quiet strength — qualities essential to conquering the Garden Route Giro.
How to Enter and Follow the Race
Entries for the inaugural Garden Route Giro are now open. Riders can find full route details, a detailed prize breakdown and optional rider packages at www.gardenroutegiro.co.za. Fans can follow the build-up to the race on Facebook and Instagram via @gardenroutegiro, as anticipation builds for what promises to be a landmark event on the South African gravel calendar.
