Every February the Western Cape’s cycling calendar fills up with events, but few draw the same loyal crowd as the Power 99er Cycle Tour. Now in its 28th year and organised by El Shaddai Christian School in Durbanville, it has grown into the second-largest cycling event in the region, bringing nearly 5,000 riders together through the Durbanville wine valleys and surrounding farmlands. In association with Tygerberg 104FM, the race remains a true community effort, powered by more than 350 volunteers on the day.
The 99er offers four distances that start and finish at the Durbanville Sports Complex. Choosing the right one depends on your current fitness, the kind of surface you enjoy, and what you want from the day. Whether you are chasing a Cape Town Cycle Tour seeding, riding with family, or simply wanting a scenic morning out, there is a route that fits.
How to decide
Ask yourself three practical questions before you enter.
- What is the longest ride you have completed comfortably in the last two months?
- Do you prefer smooth tar or do you enjoy a mix of gravel and technical sections?
- Are you aiming for an official seeding result, a solid training day, or a more relaxed outing with friends?
Your answers will point you toward one of the four options below. E-bike riders are welcome on every distance (select the E-Bike category when you enter). Younger riders have clear rules: those 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and most open groups start from age 12.
45 km Road – the accessible and scenic option
This is the gentlest of the road routes, with roughly 413 m of climbing. It is ideal if you are newer to organised events, returning after a break, or simply want to enjoy the countryside without a heavy training load.
You leave via Sport Way, roll through the scenic roads of Durbanville, and head toward Malmesbury. The route takes you past vineyards, silos and the Diemersdal Wine Estate before the finish on Koeberg Road and a short neutral zone back to the sports complex. Hydration points are well spaced, and the later start time (around 08h15) makes it easier for families or those who prefer a slightly more relaxed morning.
If your longest recent ride is in the 30–50 km range and you want to soak up the atmosphere without pushing hard, the 45 km is the clear choice. There is even a family package available at early-bird rates.
76 km Road – the balanced all-rounder
With about 744 m of ascent, the 76 km sits in a sweet spot for many riders. It delivers the classic 99er experience of rolling hills on Philadelphia Road, a final climb toward Opikopi, and views of local farms and wineries, including Diemersdal.
It is long enough to feel like a proper day out and to build fitness, yet short enough that most regular club riders can finish strongly. The start is earlier (around 07h20), and there are three hydration points plus the finish village. Many riders use this distance as a solid training ride or a stepping stone toward the longer options.
If you regularly ride 60–80 km and enjoy a mix of effort and scenery, the 76 km is likely to feel just right.
95 km Road – the full challenge and official seeding
This is the longest road option, with approximately 795 m of climbing. It combines punchy climbs, sweeping rural views and stretches through wine country and farmlands. The route shares many of the same scenic highlights as the 76 km (Philadelphia Road, the climb toward Opikopi and Diemersdal) before finishing on Koeberg Road.
It is an official seeding event for the Cape Town Cycle Tour, so riders who need a qualifying result often choose it. The early start (around 06h00) and five hydration points keep the field moving. Categories include elite, junior, veteran and open groups.
Choose the 95 km if you are training seriously, want the longest road distance on offer, or need the seeding. It rewards consistent fitness and good pacing.
80 km Trilogy Challenge – gravel, tar and single track
For riders who want variety and a bit of adventure, the 80 km Trilogy mixes surfaces. You start on smooth tar with rolling hills and the “Grand Prix Hill,” hit the first gravel segment around the 26 km mark, then continue on farm roads, vineyard views and jeep tracks.
The route includes the rough terrain of Occultdale Road, 14 A-frame crossings on the Klipheuwel technical single track, and the famous washboard surface of Spes Bona Road before a final sprint. It is also an official seeding event. Hydration is available at four points plus the finish, and the start is around 07h20.
This route suits riders who already spend time on gravel or mixed terrain and want more than a pure road race. Gravel bikes (drop bars) or mountain bikes with bar ends are allowed. It delivers the same community atmosphere with an extra dose of technical interest.
Putting it together
Most riders find their match by matching recent training volume to the distance and surface. The 45 km keeps the day enjoyable and accessible. The 76 km offers a classic Western Cape road experience without the full 95 km commitment. The 95 km and 80 km Trilogy both count as official seeding events and reward higher fitness or a preference for mixed terrain.
All routes share the same finish village at the Durbanville Sports Complex, where you can cool down, enjoy the atmosphere and stay for the prize-giving and lucky draw. The event remains the school’s primary fundraising initiative, so every entry supports a meaningful local cause.
Detailed maps, elevation profiles, start times and the latest route notes are available on the official 99er website. Early-bird entries are open, and late entries are limited. Check the current fees, download the GPX files, and pick the distance that matches how you actually ride right now.
See you on the road (or the gravel) in February.
View more route information:
99er.co.za/99er-info/#route
Follow the 99er on Instagram:
instagram.com/99ercycle
