MOMENTUM MEDICAL SCHEME
ATTAKWAS EXTREME PRESENTED BY BIOGEN
120KM (TOTAL ASCENT 2650m)
RACE CUT-OFF 12 HOURS
ROUTE PROFILE
START
Chandelier Game Reserve
FINISH
Pine Creek Resort, Great Brak River
First Quarter
The race begins at Chandelier Game Reserve, where early morning light settles gently over the plains. Riders often spot giraffe, eland, or kudu moving alongside the tracks—a calm start before the effort ahead.
This section, however, is anything but gentle. The rugged descents and early jostling for position have ended many ambitions before sunrise. Patience and caution are essential here—respect the terrain and find your rhythm.
Water Point 1 awaits at the 21 km mark. Refill well; the day is only beginning.
Second Quarter
The route then sweeps into Goeie Hoop Farm, one of the most beautiful stretches of the race. The Karoo slowly gives way to the fynbos-covered lower slopes of the Outeniqua Mountains—terrain that is exclusive to this event.
Protea and Waboom line the trails, guiding riders toward Water Point 2 at Safraanrivier, where supporters gather and encouragement flows freely.
From here, the Attakwas itself rises ahead. The road narrows, the gradient lifts, and the challenge becomes unmistakable.
Third Quarter
Leaving Water Point 2, riders enter the renowned kloof, passing the weathered remains of the old Blue Hotel. Loose, technical climbs test focus as the trail winds toward the reserve entrance—a welcome spot to pause briefly and take in the scenery.
The descent that follows demands careful attention. Loose rock and uneven surfaces lead riders to the high point near the halfway mark, where the scale of the challenge becomes clear.
A steep drop toward Bonniedale requires measured handling before the comfort of Water Point 3 comes into view.
With bottles refilled and legs reset, riders tackle the next segment: long, rolling gravel roads toward Water Point 4. This stretch is often the hottest and most humid of the race. A new water point at 78 km has been added to ensure riders arrive safely at the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter
After close to 100 km, the accumulated effort begins to show. Heat, gradients, and fatigue combine to make this the toughest final stretch. Thankfully, the Dryland team at Water Point 5 in Ruiterbos offers a welcome lift for the last push.
Just before Water Point 6, riders face one of the longest and steepest climbs of the day. Tackle it steadily, refill one last time, and prepare for the reward that follows.
The first glimpse of the ocean signals the beginning of the end—a motivating sight after hours of climbing and concentration. A final descent leads riders directly to the finish at Great Brak River, right at the water’s edge.
Surviving Attakwas Extreme is more than a finish line—it’s confirmation that you rose to the challenge of South Africa’s most iconic one-day race.
SPECTATOR, FEEDING & TECHNICAL POINTS
Spectator, Feeding & Technical point at water point 2 (Safraanrivier)
- GPS: S33° 47.081′ E22° 02.508′
- From Chandelier drive 6.6km back towards Oudtshoorn and turn left into Rademeyer street, drive on and turn left into Jan van Riebeeck Rd. Drive 5.4km’s and turn left onto the R328 towards Mossel Bay – proceed for 23km’s to the Moerarivier turn-off to your right
- Proceed for 1,4km and follow the signs to the parking on your right.
- The water point and spectator point is right across the road
Spectator, Feeding & Technical point at water point 5 (Ruiterbos Primary School)
- GPS S33° 56.687′ E22° 02.112′
- From Spectator point 1 proceed for 16.4 km’s towards Mossel Bay on the R328, the point is on your right.
- Please park your vehicle in a safe location out of the way of traffic and riders.
Please Note:
- Water points 2 and 5 will have stock of basic bicycle spares with a mechanic on duty.
- Water points 2 (40 km) and 5 (94 km) will also double as the official technical/feeding point for professional riders – no outside assistance is allowed outside of these points.
- Please ensure that you carry spares specific to your brand of bicycle like derailleur hangers etc. Please carry a credit card or cash on you to pay for spares received.
- Only Riders in possession of a UCI professional racing license are allowed access to the technical/feeding points for professional athletes.
- No following vehicles will be allowed on the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme presented by Biogen route, if any vehicle transgressing in this regard can be linked to a specific rider, immediate disqualification applies. Marshalls and officials have strict orders to enforce this.
MOMENTUM MEDICAL SCHEME
ATTAKWAS HALF PRESENTED BY BIOGEN
47KM (TOTAL ASCENT 950m)
ROUTE PROFILE
First Half
Do not underestimate this one – it starts of with a challenging climb out of Great Brakriver towards the plateau that overlooks the beautiful bay of Mossel Bay. Riders work their way towards Jonkersberg on undulating farm roads until they reach water point 1 (after 13 km) just after Jonkerberg Forestry station.
Second Half
From here the most scenic of jeep track follow the contours of the southerly slopes of the mighty Outeniqua Mountains. Riders move in a westerly direction and link up with riders from the long race. Water point 2, at 34 km marks the end of the toughest part of the ride and now you can enjoy the descent to Botlierskop, with a final climb to the top with a view to die for, and with such a heroes welcome, it was all worth it.
MOMENTUM MEDICAL SCHEME
ATTAKWAS MINI PRESENTED BY BIOGEN
32KM (TOTAL ASCENT 540m)
ROUTE PROFILE
