ceder245

 ceder245

The Ceder original; a bike-bending, resolve-testing stretch of gritty gravel. The spellbinding adventure through other-worldly rock formations and fynbos floral kingdoms covers mountain passes, two towns, and the sandbanks of Clanwilliam Dam through mostly gravel roads.

When: Saturday 5 October 2024
Start Time: 04h00am
Distance: 245km
Elevation Gain: 3700m
Aid Stations: 4
Cut-Off: 22h00

Men's Current CR: Dan Loubser 08:30:52 (2022)
Women's Current CR: Rebecca Van Huyssteen 10:30:42 (2022)

The 4am start promises a cold beginning with a brutal first 35km featuring the devastating Grootrivierhoogte climb, possibly better in the dark, and the technical, fast descent that follows. Reprieve is short-lived with the slow burner Blinkberg Pass climb following immediately after.

The gravel from there delivers notoriously jarring corrugation before riders receive the relief of tar as they find their way to the town of Op-die-Berg and the R303.

As the sun starts to creep over the mountains, the lead pack will be heading towards the third pass, just over 100km in, and the pack will be around Koue Bokkeveld. It’s a moment worthwhile holding onto when the going gets tough later in the day. 

The first half of Middelberg Pass descent demands energy, with technical, steep, and sharp corners delivering threatening blows to test the integrity of both riders and their bike tyres.  The reward is sweet though, with a smooth tarred road heading into Citrusdal. Rolling out of the town, the route tracks the Olifants River and winds towards Clanwilliam Dam, marking the turn-around point. Reserve some humour in the tank for the 17km of Jamaka’s rolling hills of death and Uitkyk Pass before the final stretch. Thoughts and prayers be with riders if there’s a headwind.

Conquering Uitkyk Pass offers emotional scenes made only better by the relief that home is ‘just’ 35km away.

Ceder245 Aid Stations

🙂 130km, Dropbox Zone and Aid Station 📍

🙂 172.5km, Rondegat Waterpoint

🙂 197km, Jamaka Kiosk🥤(Unofficial Waterpoint/Aid Station)

🙂 201km, Algeria Waterpoint

📍At Pomario School, the Dropbox Zone and Aid Station, riders will receive their dropboxes for the additional supplies they packed before the race. This is a supported Aid Station with bathrooms available.

Ceder245 Passes

🌼 Grootrivierhoogte, 5.3km, 7.3% gradient average (*not an official pass, but counted as such)

🌼 Blinkberg Pass, 10.9km, 4.1% gradient average

🌼 Middelberg Pass, 3.7km, 6.9% gradient average

🌼 Uitkyk Pass, 5km 7.9%, gradient average

 

The Ceder takes place over the weekend of 4 - 6 October 2024.

Entry to The Ceder is via our Quicket Entry Portal. Visit Quicket.co.za to enter. A link can also be found top right in the menu bar.

All entries strictly close Tuesday 24 September 20:00

The Ceder Race is primarily on gravel roads, making a gravel bike ideal. Mountain bikes are also a popular choice, but any bike suitable for long distances and varied terrains is allowed. E-bikes are not allowed.

While every route is clearly marked, it's mandatory to have the GPX file loaded before starting any race. You can acquire all route GPX files from our online store. A download link is provided once completing the checkout process.

Yes. All races, with the exception of the Fun Run, are timed. Your timing chip and race number are provided in your race bag upon Registration. It's mandatory for riders to affix the race number to their bikes and runners to pin numbers to their clothing. Timing chips are affixed to race numbers.

Please check The Ceder Compulsory Kit & Gear section under 'INFO' to ensure you're prepared.

We do not need an official medical certificate; kindly review the indemnity and waiver thoroughly.

You can book all accommodations at Oasis through The Ceder Quicket portal. Priority is given to participants, and bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis. Explore options on The Ceder Event Page on Quicket.co.za

Certainly! Spectators are welcome along all routes. However, outside support is only allowed within 100m of Aid Stations. Unofficial support vehicles are prohibited, and spectators must follow the race from behind the participants at a safe distance.

The weather in the Cederberg can be unpredictable, but shifting the race dates to October should reduce the likelihood of wet and cold conditions. However, early morning starts in the mountains may still be chilly. Please check The Ceder Compulsory Kit & Gear section to ensure you're prepared for any weather.

Yes, the cutoff time for the CEDER245 & CEDER140 is 22:00, while for the CEDER22 Trail Run, it's 16:00.

Race Numbers can be collected prior to the event at Race Registration. Registration will be in Cape Town on Tuesday, October 1st (Location TBA) and will continue at Cederberg Oasis in the Race Village on Friday, October 4th.

Race registration will be in Cape Town on Tuesday, October 1st (Location TBA) and will continue at Cederberg Oasis in the Race Village on Friday, October 4th.

Yes. Please provide a form of identification, such as a Driver's License or ID, when collecting your race number.

Yes, the prize giving is scheduled for Saturday at 18:00 for the Cycling Races and Sunday at 12:00 for the Trail Running. Prize Giving will take place in the Race Village.

Unfortunately not.

19 years old or older.

Unfortunately, no dogs or other pets are allowed at The Ceder venue, Cederberg Oasis.