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 Estate61km
Stage 2Oak Valley EstateOak Valley Estate67km
Stage 3Oak Valley EstateLourensford Estate63km
  Total191km

*Final distances will be confirmed on race day

Stage 1

  • W2W25_Profiles_Stage 1

  • 61 km | 1 150 m climbing

    The 2025 FNB Wines2Whales opens from the breathtaking Benguela Cove, a brand-new start line just outside Hermanus. 

    Rolling gravel eases the field into the day before the first leg-warmer up Aniel se Pad. A plunge into Gaf se Bos sets up a ride across Karwyders Contour, a familiar playground now flipped for the Switchback edition. The Steel Bridge crossing delivers riders to Genevieve MCC and Waterpoint 1. From there, the flowing trails of Wildekrans and Beaumont carry speed and rhythm into the stage’s defining challenge, Katpas, the old pass that rises from the Botrivier valley to the historic Houwhoek Hotel, home of Waterpoint 2. 

    Moos se Pad follows as the Toyota Cruise segment of the day, before the route tips across Lebanon and into the Paul Cluver Amphitheatre. One last chance to refuel, then it is a flowing run into Oak Valley Estate and the well-deserved welcome of the Race Village.

    Benguela Cove - Wines2Whales
    Gallery Stage 1
    Benguela Cove
  • W2W25_Stage_Maps_Stage1

Benguela Cove to Oak Valley Estate

FROM THE COAST TO THE RACE VILLAGE

Distance 61km | Climbing 1150m

Start Location Benguela Cove

Finish Location Oak Valley Estate

Stage 2

  • W2W25_Profiles_Stage 2

  • 67 km | 1 350 m climbing 

    Play Day, reimagined. Old favourites return, new features shine, and the balance of effort and exhilaration keeps the gees alive. 

    Oak Valley’s vineyards set a fast tone before the climb to Rhys’s Rollercoaster, the new Toyota Cruise segment with berms for days, slingshotting riders into Intensity and onward to the iconic Sounds of Silence. Across the dam, the steady pull of Rietvlei leads to Witklippies, before gravity takes over with the Rietvlei Magic descent into Waterpoint 1 at the Paul Cluver Amphitheatre. 

    Then the switchbacks bite, Cobra and Ystervark test handling skills before the climb through Pofadder and Tierkop. Waterpoint 2 at Jannie se Huise offers a brief reprieve before the Cherry Bypass and the bridges of the Amphitheatre, complete with music and refreshments. Just as the finish seems near, the Wave Runner arrives, sweeping bentwood structures, rolling whoops, and a ride unlike any other. From there, it is a flat-out to Oak Valley. Stage 2, pure fun, pure gees.

    Wines2Whales - Stage2
    Oak Valley Estate
    Wines2Whales - Stage 2
  • W2W25_Stage2_Maps

Oak Valley Estate

PLAYDAY

Distance 67km | Climbing 1350m

Start Location Oak Valley Estate

Finish Location Oak Valley Estate

Stage 3

  • W2W25_Profiles_Stage 3

  • 63 km | 1 250 m climbing 

    The final chapter begins with a calm start, flowing dam trails, and the Trails End crossing. Riders head towards Waterpoint 1 at Elgin Trails before climbing via Rooi Pad and the A to Z singletracks to the gateway of the past, the Gantouw Pass Wagon Trail. This compulsory portage follows the scarred rock path carved by 19th-century ox wagons, steeped in history and blessed with unforgettable views. 

    The descent delivers riders to Idiom and Waterpoint 2 before the natural beauty of Vergelegen opens up, with eland often spotted on its slopes. Crossing into Lourensford Wine Estate, Cowboy Town sets the scene for the climb through the cork forest and the adrenaline-charged Schoeman’s descent. The flowing Canal Trail then lines the way to the Fair Cape Floating Bridge, a fitting flourish to three days of unforgettable riding.

    Wines2Whales Grabouw
    Wines2Whales - Lourensford
    Gantouw Pass
  • W2W25_Stage3

Oak Valley Estate - Lourensford

THE WAGON TRAIL 

Distance 63km | Climbing 1250m

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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@ 2025 IRONMAN Group