Lisa Bone won Stage 2 of the Garden Route Giro and claimed the women’s yellow jersey, while Cronje Beukes took the men’s stage victory and overall lead on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. Both riders used the day’s major climbs to distance their rivals and secure commanding positions.

Lisa Bone Claims Women’s Stage Victory and Yellow Jersey

Lisa Bone executed a perfect tactical race to win Stage 2 and take the women’s overall lead. Bone made the early selection on Garcia’s Pass, claiming maximum sprint points ahead of Vera Looser and Mariëlle Trouwborst.

The South African rider’s decisive move came on Rooiberg Pass. Bone gapped Trouwborst near the summit, then managed the descent carefully to maintain contact. “She’s definitely a better descender,” Bone admitted about Trouwborst. “I had to get an advantage so I could ride the Rooiberg descent at my own pace.”

In the sprint finish, Bone reversed the Stage 1 result by getting the jump on Trouwborst. The two-second gap was enough to earn Bone the yellow First Ascent women’s leader’s jersey. Vera Looser finished third, now 8 minutes and 29 seconds behind overall

Cronje Beukes Dominates Men’s Race on Rooiberg Pass

Cronje Beukes delivered a commanding solo performance to win the men’s stage and take the yellow jersey. Initially part of a seven-rider front group including Marco Joubert and Wessel Botha, Beukes made his race-winning move on the final climb to Rooiberg Pass.

Beukes distanced yellow jersey holder Joubert on the steep gradients, building a one-minute and 33-second advantage at the summit. Despite Joubert’s efforts on the descent and flat finale, Beukes held on to win by 52 seconds.

“I felt strong all day today, and I knew that Rooiberg Pass would suit me,” Beukes said. The victory gives Beukes a 44-second overall lead over Joubert, with Botha third at 3 minutes and 58 seconds.

Stage 2 Route Featured 119 Kilometres and Challenging Climbs

The stage took riders from Oakdale Agricultural High School to Calitzdorp’s Old Railway Station. The 119-kilometre route included 2,000 metres of climbing across Garcia’s Pass, Little Rooiberg Pass, and Big Rooiberg Pass.

Garcia’s Pass provided the first selection in brutal headwind conditions. The Rooiberg climbs proved decisive for both races, with fast gravel roads between the major ascents allowing group riding. A stiff headwind on the final 20-kilometre flat section made the finale particularly challenging.

Herman Fourie suffered a catastrophic puncture early in the stage, losing an hour and a half. The Cape Vulture Nature Reserve rider stuffed his tyre with roadside debris to reach the Van Wyksdorp aid station for repairs.

Stage 3 Preview: Swartberg Pass Awaits

Stage 3 departs Calitzdorp for an 89-kilometre route featuring 2,100 metres of climbing. The route follows the Nels River for 27 kilometres before tackling the demanding Swartberg Pass from kilometre 56 to 68.

The stage includes two summit climbs followed by a high-speed descent to Prince Albert. Unlike Stage 2’s 20-kilometre flat finale, Stage 3 features just a nine-kilometre run into town. Beukes will aim to repeat his climbing tactics from Stage 2.

Current overall leaders Beukes and Bone both hold commanding positions entering the stage. The Swartberg Pass climb late in the stage could provide similar opportunities to those that proved decisive on Rooiberg Pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won Stage 2 of the Garden Route Giro?

Lisa Bone won the women’s Stage 2 in 4:09:07, beating Mariëlle Trouwborst by 2 seconds. Cronje Beukes won the men’s stage in 3:35:33, defeating Marco Joubert by 52 seconds.

Who leads the Garden Route Giro after Stage 2?

Lisa Bone leads the women’s race by 2 seconds over Mariëlle Trouwborst after winning Stage 2. Cronje Beukes leads the men’s race by 44 seconds over Marco Joubert following his stage victory.

What was the route for Garden Route Giro Stage 2?

Stage 2 covered 119 kilometres from Oakdale Agricultural High School to Calitzdorp’s Old Railway Station. The route featured 2,000 metres of climbing including Garcia’s Pass and both Rooiberg Pass climbs.

Where is Stage 3 of the Garden Route Giro?

Stage 3 runs 89 kilometres from Calitzdorp to Prince Albert, featuring 2,100 metres of climbing. The key challenge is Swartberg Pass from kilometre 56 to 68, followed by a descent to the finish.