The Kremetert offers two road races: a one day four-stage race over 175 kilometres and a shorter 70 kilometre circular route. The whole area is well known for its picturesque quality, set in the shade of the majestic Soutpansberg Mountain.
The races take place around the western side of the Soutpansberg and offer spectacular panoramic views of the mountain. The routes wind their way past several stunning age-old baobabs, or kremetart trees, and other bushveld vegetation. This race is well suited for tandems.
Overall the route is fast. The race is held over four stages, each featuring different challenges. The first stage is 53 kilometres long and starts with a challenging 10 kilometre climb. Once over this, the ride is an easy downhill sprint all the way to Waterpoort.
The second stage presents perhaps the sternest challenge of all. The hill is relentless and uncompromising; 48 kilometres of work to the stage’s end in Vivo.
The third stage does offer some variation in terrain where the gentle climbs are rewarded with easier sprint sections. The ride to Schoemansdal is 52 kilometres.
The fourth stage and final stretch is by far the shortest, but does offer some challenging hill work. The final run to the finish is easy.
By and large the 70 kilometre ride is moderate. There is work to be done in the second half and the pull from Sandriver to the top of Otto’s Hoogte can be draining if you went out too hard in the early stages. The final run to the finish is fast.