The Lions Karoo to Coast is one of South Africa’s most iconic off-road races, a 95-kilometre journey from Uniondale in the Karoo to Knysna on the Indian Ocean. Riders roll out through sparse shrubland before passing Langkloof orchards, fynbos, and the rugged forests of Prince Alfred’s Pass. Pine plantations dominate the mid-section, before the route plunges into Knysna’s indigenous forests. A final climb from the Gouna River to Simola delivers riders to smooth asphalt and the finish at Knysna High School.
This dramatic mix of landscapes, combined with challenging climbs and rough descents, makes breaking records on the course no small feat.
Nortje’s Historic Ride
George local Tristan Nortje grew up dreaming of racing Karoo to Coast. After claiming victory in 2024, he returned with a single mission: break the three-hour barrier. Riding a gravel bike alongside teammate Marco Joubert, Nortje attacked just 2 km into the race to avoid group tactics slowing the pace. From there, he rode solo for nearly the entire distance.
“The descents are rough, and even on the climbs you have to stay seated for traction,” Nortje explained at the finish. “I’m not sure why the gravel bike is faster, but it is. I just kept my head down and kept pushing into that headwind.”
His winning time of 2:56:51 smashed his 2024 record by 3 minutes and 40 seconds. Joubert finished second, out-sprinting Herman Fourie, with Cronje Beukes and Rogan Smart rounding out the top five.
Toovey’s Triumphant Comeback
In the women’s race, fellow George rider Mellusca Toovey marked a triumphant return after nine years away from the event, balancing her career and raising children. A multisport athlete known for triathlon and trail running victories, Toovey proved she still had the speed and descending skills to win against seasoned competition.
“I was with Catherine [Colyn] at the top of Prince Alfred’s Pass, but on the long descent she couldn’t follow,” Toovey recalled. Working with a strong group of men, she maintained her lead, though Colyn fought hard to close the gap late in the race.
Toovey crossed the line in 3:45:54, nearly four minutes clear of defending champion Catherine Colyn. Stephanie Wohlters, Juanita Mackenzie, and Kelly Freeth filled the podium and top five, separated by just 46 seconds after nearly four hours of racing.
“This is my first Karoo to Coast in nine years, after kids, so it’s amazing to be back and to take the win,” Toovey beamed.
Community and Tradition
Since its first edition in 1999, the Lions Karoo to Coast has drawn thousands of riders, reflecting the evolution of off-road cycling — from 26-inch wheels, to 29ers, and now the rise of gravel bikes. In 2025, more than 1,600 participants joined the elites, enjoying the ever-changing scenery and the thrill of conquering one of South Africa’s great point-to-point challenges.
Elite Results
Men
Tristan Nortje – 2:56:51
Marco Joubert – 3:08:29
Herman Fourie – 3:08:31
Women
Mellusca Toovey – 3:45:54
Catherine Colyn – 3:49:47
Stephanie Wohlters – 3:57:10
