December is a time for reflection and planning. An opportunity to look back on the year past and cast ahead to the possibilities of the year to come. One surefire way to ensure excitement and motivation for 2025 is to sign up for a big challenge, a ride to reward dedication to training and healthy living. The Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer, presented by Biogen, could be the ideal event to tick those boxes…
The Race with Soul has a reputation for taking mountain bikers through beautiful and diverse landscapes, crossing spectacular mountain ranges and traversing broad planes. In 2025, from the 30th of September to the 4th of October, the 5-day UCI S1 grade stage race will do just that once more. While also wowing with hearty Klein Karoo hospitality, ample accommodation options – from budget-friendly camping to luxurious hotel stays – and support services from sports massages, transfers and bike maintenance packages.
On the bike, the second edition of the rejuvenated and shortened event will feature two brand new stages and a new start venue. The adventure begins in Wilderness on the 30th of October with an 82-kilometre marathon stage. 2024 participants will remember the ascents of Woodville Switchbacks and the rocky dual-track to the summit of Duiwelskop. In 2025 these challenges remain, and riders should prepare for a challenging day in the saddle. The views this stage provides – along the ridgelines of the Outeniqua Mountains, down over the lakes and forests of the Garden Route, and finally across the patchwork of fynbos and farmlands of the Langkloof – will more than make up for the arduous climbs.
After starting in Wilderness, at the Wilderness Hotel, the Race with Soul will spend two nights at Louvain, in the Langkloof. In 2024 one night felt far too short, so Dryland Event Management have added an out-and-back stage from the popular wedding venue. The 109-kilometre-long day will be a tough one, but the variety of terrain Stage 2 covers will again offset the difficulty of the day. As will the famous Biogen and Dryland water points, with their selection of sports nutrition supplements, real food snacks, sweets, fruit, and even ostrich steak hot off the braai at the final aid station, tech zone and spectator point of the day, 20 kilometres from the finish.
Stages 3, 4 and 5 will have a familiar feel to returning riders. The mid-point of the race crosses into the Klein Karoo and allows for well-earned respite. Then Stage 4 conquers the iconic Swartberg Pass and South African mountain biking’s only mountain top finish. Chandelier Game Reserve provides the final playground of the race, complete with big game sightings from the bike and the opportunity to ride alongside galloping giraffe and through herds of fleet-footed antelope.
If all this sounds like your idea of an adventure. A challenge mingled with moments of pure pleasure and riding which rewards and fuel for next year’s festive season reflections. Then visit www.capepioneer.co.za to secure your slot in the 2025 Race with Soul. Entries to the Momentum Cape Pioneer Trek, presented by Biogen, open on 11 December; at 12:00 Central African Time (14:00 UTC). For more inspiration like the Cape Pioneer Facebook page or follow @capepioneer on Instagram.
| 2025 Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer, presented by Biogen | |
| Dates: | 30 September to 4 October 2025 |
| Venues: | Wilderness | Louvain Guest Farm | Oudtshoorn |
| Distance and Elevation: | 430km with 9 700m of climbing |
| Entry Pricing: | Early Bird Solo: R21 500 | Early Bird Team: R42 900 (Until 30/04/2025) |
| Formal Accommodation: | From R13 600 or R21 600 per person or per team |
| Tented Accommodation: | From R1 950 per person |
| Entry Information: | www.capepioneer.co.za/registration-2/ |
| Website: | www.capepioneer.co.za |
| Facebook: | Cape Pioneer |
| Instagram: | @capepioneer |