Route overview

Duration
Duration
3 Days —
Distance
Distance
200KM —
Climbing
Climbing
4500M —

2025 Switchback

The Best One Yet!
Get ready for the most thrilling Switchback to date! While the route will feel familiar, we’ve flipped the script with fresh perspective that will create a very different riding experience going from the coast to the wines. 

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Select a stage to see more details

Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3

Overview

W2W Overview

Snapshot

STAGESTARTFINISHDistance
Stage 1Benguela CoveOak Valley Estate70km*
Stage 2Oak Valley EstateOak Valley Estate65km*
Stage 3Oak Valley EstateLourensford Estate65km*
  Total200km*

*Final stage distances will be made available closer to the event 

Stage 1

  • We start at the iconic Benguela Cove for the first time, with an easy beginning on gravel roads offering stunning ocean views before hitting the first singletrack. The historic Katpass is the main challenge of the day, but from there, it's an action-packed run all the way to the finish at Oak Valley Wine Estate.

    Benguela Cove - Wines2Whales
    Gallery Stage 1
    Benguela Cove

  • Our team is still finalising the 2025 route. While detailed maps will be shared closer to the event.

  • Our team is still finalising the 2025 route. While detailed profiles will be shared closer to the event, you can plan for approximately 70 km of riding and 1500 m of climbing per day.

Benguela Cove to Oak Valley Estate

FROM THE COAST TO THE RACE VILLAGE

Distance TBC | Climbing TBC

Start Location Benguela Cove

Finish Location Oak Valley Estate

Stage 2

  • It’s a classic Playday on filled with all your favourite sections, Vissie's Magic, Sounds of Silence, Snake Snatcher and Harrier Hawk on Oak Valley combined with the exclusive Paul Cluver trails like Rietvlei Magic, Pofadder and Bergadder to name a few. Exciting new additions: An exciting development at the Paul Clüver Amphitheatre and the Hoola Hoop Playpark near the finish! Expect fast and fun with just the right mix of technical challenge.

    Wines2Whales - Stage2
    Oak Valley Estate
    Wines2Whales - Stage 2

  • Our team is still finalising the 2025 route. While detailed maps will be shared closer to the event.

  • Our team is still finalising the 2025 route. While detailed profiles will be shared closer to the event, you can plan for approximately 70 km of riding and 1500 m of climbing per day.

Oak Valley Estate

PLAYDAY

Distance TBC | Climbing TBC

Start Location Oak Valley Estate

Finish Location Oak Valley Estate

Stage 3

  • The final stage starts at Oak Valley and finishes at Lourensford Wine Estate. It includes a compulsory portage down the historic Wagon Trail (easier than going up!), weaving through Idiom, Wedderwil, and Vergelegen. We’ve switched up the last big climb at Lourensford—it won’t be part of the route this year. Instead, we’ll take you on the stunning Canal Trail for the perfect finish to the Race with GEES.

    Wines2Whales Grabouw
    Wines2Whales - Lourensford
    Gantouw Pass

  • Our team is still finalising the 2025 route. While detailed maps will be shared closer to the event.

  • Our team is still finalising the 2025 route. While detailed profiles will be shared closer to the event, you can plan for approximately 70 km of riding and 1500 m of climbing per day.

Oak Valley Estate - Lourensford

THE WAGON TRAIL 

Distance TBC | Climbing TBC

Start Location Oak Valley Estate

Finish Location Lourensford Wine Estate

The Race with GEES

Three days of exhilarating riding await in the heart of the Overberg region. Hear from race founder Johan Kriegler and Race Director Hendrico Burger as they share their insights on last year's route

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Epic Series Technical Partners

@ 2025 IRONMAN Group