Reputation: Regional South African event.
[01]
Course Overview
South African mountain gravel stage race.
250 mi
Distance
20,000 ft
Elevation
South Africa
Location
May 16, 2026
Date
~200
Field Size
$200-300
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / King Price Race to the Sun
Photo: YouTube / King Price Race to the SunSouth African mountain multi-stage gravel.
Signature challenge: South African multi-stage mountains.
60
MILE
Stage 1 Mountains
First stage mountain sections.
130
MILE
Stage 2 Midpoint
Halfway through multi-stage.
220
MILE
Final Stage Mountains
Final stage mountain sections.
RIDERS REPORT
Little ditch in the road
A small climb/ditch that riders use as an attack point early in the race, around 21km mark where breakaways typically form.
Brits canal irrigation system
Hard and fast dirt roads along the canal system in the first half, unchanged from previous years and familiar to returning riders.
Pinch points
Critical sections where riders must fight for position at the front to avoid getting caught behind, especially important in the early racing.
The course is quite rough, described as the roughest it's ever been, with constant moving up and down of the gravel bikes on the surface.
Hard and fast dirt roads with shorter sections of tarmac mixed in, riders with road pedigrees are happy on the tarmac sections.
Corrugated roads have been eliminated from the route after rider feedback, with problematic road works avoided through cooperation with local farmers.
New compact gravel section added through the Sadiba quail adventure center, described as a safe and thoroughly enjoyable surface.
[04]
From the Field
162 km, just under 1,000 m of climbing. The route is backloaded and there's a lot of new exciting pieces on the second half of the racing today. Through the cooperation and help of local farmers, problematic road works have been avoided.
King Price Race to the Sun · 3.7K views
They were on the hard and fast dirt roads along the britz canal irrigation system in near perfect weather conditions set for a hard and fast race with no significant climb to use as an attacking Launchpad the race would come down to a tactical battle a war of attrition fought out at high Pace.
King Price Race to the Sun · 14.7K views
The experience has been going through the townships in the rural area has been really cool, very nice people on the side of the roads, the farmers greeting us. You can definitely see the community jumping in - at each and every water point there's volunteers, churches, people from all over just helping out.
King Price Race to the Sun · 2.2K views
This is the first proper gravel race that South Africa actually had. They introduced the gravel scene more to South Africa than any other race. I feel all the other races built onto this race.
Unknown · 3.7K views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced King Price Race to Sun? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
May 16, 2026 KING PRICE RACE TO SUN
[08]
Train for King Price Race to Sun
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
10
Climbing
10
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
5
Technical
6
Heat
0
Altitude
4
Race Specificity
6
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Cape Town (CPT) or Johannesburg (JNB) depending on location
Lodging
Included in package or arranged by organizers.
Food
Support provided. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day before typically
Parking
Parking available as amenity[1]
RIDERS REPORT
Expect around 38k an hour average speed till the second water point, so be prepared for a fast early pace.
Make sure you're at the front in the pinch points and fight for position early to avoid getting caught behind.
Keep smooth lines to avoid punctures - one rider got a puncture 30ks in during previous SA Champs which was devastating.
The route is backloaded with new exciting pieces in the second half, so save energy for the latter part of the race.
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M
Mixed-terrain specialist. Balanced grip and speed for variable conditions.
3
Panaracer GravelKing SK
Affordable all-rounder. Light knobs add grip without killing speed.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Vittoria Terreno Dry 40mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at King Price Race to Sun?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 71°F and lows of 47°F, with a 9% chance of rain on any given day. May timing in South Africa's autumn delivered 'rain, wind, cold and some sun' during 2025 - everything except extreme heat. The variable conditions kept riders honest without creating dangerous weather. One finisher called it 'an all round perfect day on the bike' despite the mixed elements. Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL.[9]
How are the logistics for King Price Race to Sun?
Race dates conflict across platforms - 16 May vs 30 May 2026 with no official resolution. Elite winner Cherise Willeit and another rider missed the critical turn in final kilometers, highlighting course marking issues even at the front. Basic logistics like field size and cutoff times remain unpublished. "Water Points were great …friendly support, well stocked with a variety of snacks to keep us going ⭐ … route was well marked all the way ⭐… single tracks added to the fun element ⭐… and the red cheerle..."[9]
How adventurous is King Price Race to Sun?
Point-to-point through North West Province sunflower fields to Sun City Resort is adventurous terrain. You're crossing diverse South African landscapes on a proper journey, not grinding loops. The route concept delivers real exploration, even if the race execution has questions.[1]
How prestigious is King Price Race to Sun?
Elite riders like Marc Pritzen and Hayley Preen compete, with Pritzen winning via 70km solo breakaway in 4:30:11. However, even elite winner Cherise Willeit missed the final turn, and pre-race favorite Sarah Hill faded after 132km. The race attracts quality riders but lacks broader gravel racing recognition or history.[1]
Should I race King Price Race to Sun?
If you have a big budget and want a South African adventure—maybe. For most riders—there are better options.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Other Sources Bikehubbikehub.co.za/news/embark-on-a-100-mile-gravel-journey-wi...
- Other Sources Facesadvendurancefacesadvendurance.howler.co.za/events/king-price-race-to-...
- Other Sources Forumforum.bikehub.co.za/topic/195470-event-king-price-race-to...
- Other Sources Forumforum.bikehub.co.za/topic/197388-event-king-price-race-to...
- Other Sources Racetothesunracetothesun.co.za/tag/king-price-race-to-the-sun/
- Other Sources Treadmtbwww.treadmtb.co.za/a-prestige-boost-for-king-price-race-t...
- Community racetothesun.co.za: Honeycomb226Ers Dominateracetothesun.co.za/honeycomb226ers_dominate/
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=FYSA5w9weX0
- Community diverge.info: Race To The Sun Go Gravel In 2026 With Sas Og Grave Bike ...diverge.info/2025/11/25/race-to-the-sun-go-gravel-in-2026...