KAROOBAIX is a one-day 245km race (with an individual time trial prologue) for modern gravel / cyclocross bicycles through the South African Karoo over 5 / 6 / 7 October 2018. The route is almost exclusively gravel, and ranges from super smooth hard-packed dirt to soft sand, sharp rocks and corrugations. The race will be semi-supported, and there will be two rest stops with good food, coffee and fresh water along the the 245km stage.

The name KAROOBAIX (pronounced ka-roo-bay) pays homage the Paris-Roubaix race, the murderous European Classic that earned itself the nickname Hell of the North, and our unique, spectacular and sometimes inhospitable semi-desert region of the Karoo.

For roughly three days of KAROOBAIX the little town of Calvinia in the Hantam Karoo area of the Northen Cape will be our base. Racers will have the option to drive themselves, or take a shuttle to and from Calvinia. Everyone will be expected to be checked into our accommodation by 13:00, at which time we will be served a light traditional lunch. At 15:00 the event will officially start with the compulsory time trail prologue, and give everyone the opportunity to meet and socialise a bit. In the evening the Hantam Huis will serve us a magnificent spit-roast dinner, during which the race briefing will take place. The next morning is race day, and we start with a light breakfast at 04:00, and set off at 04:30. As riders complete the stage in the afternoon, they can have their dinner (which will be hot and ready) when they choose and head to bed. The next morning at 09:00 we will have our celebratory breakfast, and lift our Mimosa-filled glasses to the victor of KAROOBAIX 2018.

Race outline…

Friday / 5 October 2018 – 11:00 arrival in Calvinia and check-in / 13:00 Lunch / 15:00 Time trail prologue / 19:00 Dinner / 20:00 race briefing
Saturday / 6 October 2018 – 04:00 Breakfast / 04:30 Start / 17:00 (onwards) Dinner served informally
Sunday / 7 October 2018 – 09:00 Breakfast and prize giving / 12:00 Checkout and departure