The Crater Cruise - SA Gravel Championships Head to the Vredefort Dome

The Crater Cruise returns to the cycling calendar on 14 June 2026, marking a shift in status as the event incorporates the South African XCGravel Championships. Hosted at the Koedoeslaagte Trail Park, the race follows rural and off-the-grid roads along the Vaal River within the UNESCO Vredefort Crater.

A Return to Gravel Roots

First established in 2004, the Crater Cruise originally gained a reputation as the primary battleground between road cyclists and mountain bikers. Over the years, the organisers adapted the event into a hybrid mountain bike format. However, in June 2025, the decision was made to strip back the event to the dedicated gravel road race format it originally occupied. The 2026 edition continues this focus, now with championship stakes.

Race Distances and Costs

The event offers three distinct distance categories. Riders licenced in coastal provinces—specifically the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal—are eligible for a discount on entry fees.

Category Distance Elevation Gain Entry Fee (Full) Full-Cruise 155km 1250m R900.00 Crater Cruise 115km 1125m R800.00 Crater Cruise 50km 596m R450.00

Note: The 155km and 115km routes are restricted to riders U/19 and older; the 50km route is restricted to riders U/15 and older.

Championship Regulations

Because this event serves as the SA XCGravel Championships, the organisers have implemented specific regulations for 2026:

• Status: It is an open event, allowing international participants, though podiums will be separated between overall and SA Championship results.

  
  

• Licensing: All championship category participants must possess an active CyclingSA membership (CSA ID). Social riders require a membership or must purchase a day-license upon entry. Elite riders must hold a full UCI Racing License.

• Equipment:

  • Flat-handlebar mountain bikes are permitted, but Elite men and women must compete with drop-handlebar configurations.

  • Time-trial bars are prohibited.

  • E-bikes are permitted exclusively in the 50km category.

• Support: No team support vehicles are allowed on the route. Technical and support stations are available at specific waterpoints on the 155km and 115km routes. These stations are accessible via tar roads, meaning support crews do not need to enter the race route itself.

Route Recce

Riders wishing to preview the course may visit Koedoeslaagte Trail Park on weekdays or weekends. Access to the park requires an entry fee of R50 per adult and R25 per child. The organisers have noted that single and jeep-track route links are marked, though riders are reminded that these sections cross private land and should be treated with care.

Registration

Entries are now open for all categories. Interested participants can register via the official event portal here.

For further information regarding the race or to view the GPX files, participants can visit the official race website or contact the organisers via email at attie.koekies@gmail.com.

Image: Facebook Parys Info & Tourism