The Power 99er Cycle Tour has always delivered more than just flat, fast kilometres. Riders face rolling hills through the Durbanville wine valleys, punchy climbs, and that final effort towards Opikopi past Diemersdal Wine Estate. Whether you choose the 45km, 76km, 95km road route or the 80km Trilogy Challenge, climbing fitness separates a comfortable ride from a tough one.
With nearly 5,000 participants each February and total ascent ranging from around 413m on the 45km to 795m on the 95km, preparation pays off. Here is a practical way to get stronger on the climbs before race day.
Understand What the Routes Demand
The road routes mix urban stretches with scenic farmlands and wine country. Expect repeated rolling hills on Philadelphia Road and a notable final climb. The 95km and 76km both finish with that effort past Diemersdal before the run-in on Koeberg Road.
The 80km Trilogy Challenge adds gravel, jeep tracks and the early “Grand Prix Hill”. Terrain changes and A-frame crossings mean power and control matter as much as pure climbing legs.
Knowing the profile helps you train specifically rather than just riding longer.
Build Strength with Targeted Training
- Hill repeats
Find a local climb of 3–8 minutes. Ride it hard (or at a controlled threshold), recover on the descent, and repeat. Start with 4–6 efforts and build to 8–10. Focus on smooth cadence and relaxed upper body. - Low-cadence strength work
On a moderate gradient, drop into a bigger gear and pedal at 60–70 rpm for 3–5 minutes. This builds force production that helps on steeper or longer efforts. Keep your core engaged and avoid rocking the bike excessively. - Longer sustained climbs
Include one longer climb or rolling section in your weekly long ride. Practise pacing so you do not blow up early. This mirrors the cumulative effect of the 99er’s rolling terrain. - Gym or bodyweight strength
Two short sessions a week make a difference. Prioritise squats, lunges, step-ups, planks and single-leg work. Stronger legs and a stable core reduce fatigue when you are out of the saddle.
Improve Your Climbing Technique
- Stay seated longer than you think you should. Standing is useful for short steep sections, but seated climbing is more efficient over repeated hills.
- Keep your hands light on the bars and your shoulders relaxed. Tension wastes energy.
- Shift before the climb gets steep so you stay in a comfortable cadence.
- Look ahead rather than at your front wheel. It helps with pacing and keeps you smoother.
On the Trilogy route, practise transitions between tar and gravel so you stay balanced when the surface changes mid-climb.
Fuel and Recover Properly
Climbing burns through carbohydrate stores quickly. In the weeks before the event:
- Eat enough carbohydrates in the days leading up to harder sessions.
- Practise taking gels, bars or real food on climbs during training so race-day fuelling feels natural.
- Rehydrate well. The 99er routes have hydration points, but arriving with good fluid and electrolyte balance helps you hold power later in the ride.
Sleep and easy days matter as much as the hard sessions. Muscles adapt when you recover. Aim for at least one full rest day or very easy spin each week.
Bike Setup and Small Gains
A few adjustments help on the Durbanville hills:
- Tyre pressure that suits the road or gravel sections without feeling sluggish.
- A gearing range that lets you spin rather than grind on the steeper bits.
- A comfortable saddle position so you can stay seated efficiently.
If you ride an e-bike (welcome on all distances), still train the climbs so you manage battery and effort well.
A Simple Four-Week Focus
With race day approaching, keep the plan realistic:
- Week 1–2: Two climbing sessions (repeats plus one longer effort) plus strength work.
- Week 3: Maintain the sessions but reduce volume slightly so you feel fresher.
- Week 4: One short, sharp hill session early in the week, then easy riding. Arrive at the Durbanville Sports Complex with legs that still have something left.
Why It Matters on the Day
Stronger climbing means you can stay with your group through the rolling sections, save energy for the final climb towards Opikopi, and still enjoy the scenic stretches through the wine valleys and farmlands. The 99er is organised by El Shaddai Christian School as its main fundraiser and relies on hundreds of volunteers. A well-prepared rider contributes to the positive atmosphere that has made the event a favourite on the Western Cape calendar for 28 years.
Whether you are aiming for a personal best, solid seeding for the Cape Town Cycle Tour, or simply a memorable day out, the climbs reward the work you put in beforehand. Start with consistent hill repeats, keep your technique smooth, and fuel properly. The roads around Durbanville will feel more manageable when race morning arrives.
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