Last year, Insect Science’s Arno du Toit and Keagan Bontekoning crushed the long-standing Trans Baviaans course record. They reset the mark by 22 minutes to post the new benchmark of 7 hours, 29 minutes, and 5 seconds. On Saturday, 9 August 2025, they will have another go at bettering their time as they line up for the 230 kilometre race from Willowmore to Jeffery’s Bay through the magnificent Baviaanskloof.
The Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area is the third largest nature reserve in South Africa and provides mountain bikers with far more than just a physical challenge. Leaving Willowmore’s usually sleepy central business district, which comes alive for the Trans Baviaans, the route soon leaves town and cuts through private nature reserves on dual tracks towards the R332 gravel road. The first 29 kilometres trend uphill, over a series of rollers to the highest point of the race, The Roof. Nuwekloofpas starts the descent towards Checkpoint 1, at Veros [52km] and CP 2, at Zandvlakte [93km]. While riding long stretches of this section will not feel downhill, but upon reflection, they very clearly are. 5 kilometres later, the fabled reserve section begins; here the road surfaces are far rougher and the views even more spectacular. Baviaans Back, the Fangs, and the Mother of All Climbs come within the following 42 kilometres, with Smitskraal [Checkpoint 3 at 123km in] sandwiched between the Back and the first Fang.
Many judge their progress by where they are at sunset. Starting at 10:00, daylight will run out for all but the very fastest men’s teams. For most, the darkness will descend during their time on the ascent to or descent from Bergplaas [Checkpoint 4 at 140km in]. The descent out of the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area is on a smoother surface than anything the previous kilometres offered and points at a return towards civilisation. After twisting and turning through the forests along the banks of the Witrivier and the Grootrivier, riders enter the orchards of the Patensie region and reach Checkpoint 5, at the Hadleigh Pack Shed [172km]. This is the first opportunity to see the support crews since the 4 kilometre mark when the route joined the R332.
The climbing recommences on Neverender [180 kilometres in] and continues past the unmanned Checkpoint 6, before dipping downhill to Checkpoint 7, at Zuurbron [205km]. The final 25 kilometres are a mix of rocky dual tracks with sections which can frequently become muddy, a brief flirtation with asphalt, and a torturous grind up from the lowest point of the race to the finish line in the last 5 kilometres. At Mentors Country Estate, a warm welcome awaits, complete with a Spur burger, chips and a Castle Lite – the way every mountain bike race should end.
In 2024, Du Toit and Bontekoning made their race-winning move in the reserve, distancing the Valley Electrical TitanRacing team on gravel bikes. “I learned a lot last year, Arno [du Toit] knew what to expect, being the previous record holder and having done it a few times,” Bontekoning reflected. “I learned a lot about nutrition, I feel I could have certainly done that better and I am on top of it for this year. We decided against gravel bikes again this year, because we saw that the gravel bikes are so fast in the first and last part, but it’s hard on the body and slow through the kloof. The MTB is easier on the body, but the gearing at high speeds is an issue.”
“I love it all at the Trans Baviaans,” he continued. “The fast gravel roads at the start are cool, especially if it stays as a bunch. Then, through the kloof is really beautiful, with the slightly laid back racing approach, it is great that we actually get a chance to appreciate it. The race also helps foster teamwork is a great way to build for later on in the year. But it’s also just really lekker to take on a big challenge with your mates!”
As defending champions, Bontekoning and Du Toit start as favourites. They will face stiff competition from Lukas Swanepoel and Dusty Day, as well as Jan Withaar and Herman Fourie. Rogan Smart and Quintius Vermeulen, along with Iniel Hattingh and Danie Cronje, and the three-man team of Bruce Campbell, Dan Howitz, and Dean de Coning.
In the women’s race, Sarah Hill returns to the Trans Baviaans for the first time since 2019. In the three editions that she raced alongside Theresa Ralph, the pair were undefeated, adding the women’s course record to their hat trick of victories. That mark still stands at 8 hours, 58 minutes, and 1 second. In 2025, Hill has an opportunity to challenge for that mark once more alongside powerhouse road racers Stacey Paul and Ricci-Lee Brookstone.
“I’m looking forward to spending the whole day on the bike on Saturday; it really is a privilege to be able to do so,” Hill smiled. “My team for this year is great. When it comes time to get married, Stacey Paul and Ricci-Lee Brookstone are on my bridesmaid list. Stacey is the engine of our team with her time-trialling abilities, and I know her strength firsthand, having raced the Cullinan Ultra alongside her before. Ricci-Lee had iliac artery surgery about a year ago and is coming to her very best again. We did a last test, riding home after the Trailseeker last weekend, and she breezed through both the race and the ride home. So, we’ll be fine.”
“I haven’t been at Trans Baviaans for years, but I try every year to find a team to do it with. I’ve even tried to talk Theresa into coming out of retirement for it! I have the most amazing memories from the race, and I think that’s something every Trans Baviaans rider can relate to. They will certainly always be core memories for me of my time racing my bike. The beauty of the kloof is incredible, but it’s the teamwork required by the race that really makes it so special. There is a section of the course for everyone to thrive.”
“Riding as a three-woman team this year brings its own challenges and benefits,” Hill stated. “I’ve only ever raced it as a team of two, which is just simpler. But you end up doing a lot of work! Adding a third person helps share out the work and should make it more fun by adding another personality. For me, as the rider with Trans Baviaans experience, it’s all about how I can create a special memory for Stacey and Ricci-Lee.”
The Complete Cyclists trio are the standout favourites for the women’s race, though there are serious contenders for the podium places on the start list too. These include Corli de Bruyn and Hannele Steyn, Tracey Campbell and Nicolle Zietsman, Alma Colyn and Maureen Jordaan, Alexandra Ried and Kerri Anderson, and Magan Hanekom and Jana Mart van der Merwe.
Every team needs an amateur meteorologist in their midst to plan the best possible Trans Baviaans strategy. At the time of writing, the temperatures are predicted to be cool in Willowmore on Friday night and Saturday morning. Hearteningly, a tailwind is expected for the Baviaanskloof throughout the day on Saturday, with a high of 22 providing relief after the chilly start by mid-afternoon. It should be warmer on the Jefferys Bay side of Bergplaas with a high of 26 predicted, but the final 50 kilometres could be raced into a cross/head wind which gains in strength to a fresh breeze as the evening progresses. To share in the action, as it unfolds across the 230 kilometre route, follow @transbaviaans on Instagram or like the Trans Baviaans 24HR MTB Race Facebook page. For more information, to download route files, and to read the 2025 Race or Supporter Guides, visit www.transbaviaans.co.za
