Around the Pot

Date
Saturday 25.07.2026
Distances
101 - 156 km
City
Swellendam
Country
South Africa
Website Contact

Around the Pot is a new event in the Gravelking UCI Gravel World Series taking place in Swellendam and organized by the team also running the Cape Town Cycle Tour, the biggest timed mass participation event in the world!

Course

The race course has three distances from which the 100 miles and 60 miles are the distances counting for qualification for the UCI Gravel World Championships

  • 100 miles / 156 km : qualifier distance for the elites, men age groups 19-59 and women age groups 19-49
  • 60 miles / 101km : qualifier distance for all men 60+ and women 50+
 
The course starts with a paved section leaving town for the first 7km and crossing the Breede River south of town.  This part is also used in opposite direction in the final and is the only paved section on course as 91% is gravel on undulating roads.
 
The 100 miles course goes south and then makes a larger counter clockwise loop passing south of the Hasekraal Private Nature Reserve before coming back to Swellendam.
 
The 60 miles race goes directly south after 31km straight through the Nature Reserve to reconnect with the 100 miles course at the 42km point (97km on the long course). 

Profile

With its 1760m of elevation and 91% offroad over 100 miles, the long distance is challenging.  Climb are never very long or steep.

8 sections are categorized as climbs with a gradient varying from 3-5% over a distance of 1-3km.  The steepest climb of the day is located after 128km on course when the Napkeirivier is crossed, followed by a 2.2km climb at 5.1% average.

The 60 miles course has 1061m of elevation with 5 categorized climbs including the Napkeirivier climb.

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SWELLENDAM

Swellendam is the third-oldest town in South Africa, located in the Western Cape at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. It’s a gateway to the Garden Route and the Overberg region, making it a popular stop for travellers and cyclists alike.

Top Attractions

  • Bontebok National Park: Home to bontebok antelope, Cape mountain zebras, and scenic hiking trails.
  • Marloth Nature Reserve: Offers mountain biking and hiking routes with panoramic views.
  • Drostdy Museum: A historic Cape Dutch building dating back to 1747.
  • Tradouw Pass: A stunning mountain pass ideal for cycling and scenic drives. 

Outdoor & Cycling

  • Swellendam hosts the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century, South Africa’s premier endurance road cycling event, every November.
  • There are 17 mapped cycling routes, including gravel and MTB trails, and the Swellendam Trails network for cross-country riding.
  • Activities include horse riding, canoeing on the Breede River, and quad biking for families.  

Food & Stay

  • Boutique guesthouses like Schoone Oordt Country House and De Kloof Luxury Estate.
  • Highly rated restaurants include La Sosta (Italian fine dining) and Field & Fork (local gourmet).

Weather & Best Time

  • Summer (Nov–Mar): Warm and dry, ideal for outdoor activities (average highs 26–29°C).
  • Winter (Jun–Aug): Cooler (10–18°C) but still pleasant for hiking and sightseeing.
  • Best time to visit: November to April for cycling and nature activities.