Excitement builds for King Price's Race to the Sea

The countdown is on for one of South Africa’s most spectacular gravel races.

On Saturday, September 6, the 2025 King Price Race to the Sea will send cyclists on a gruelling 157-kilometre journey from Franschhoek to Benguela Cove. The route promises breathtaking scenery and brutal challenges, starting with the dramatic Franschhoek Pass and ending on the banks of the Botrivier Estuary.

Riders will battle over asphalt, champagne gravel, and rough dual tracks, with nearly 2,400 metres of climbing standing between them and glory.

This year’s race poses a fascinating question: will the winners emerge through team tactics or sheer individual brilliance? In the men’s field, powerhouse teams like Honeycomb 226ers, Imbuko ChemChamp, Insect Science, and PYGA Euro Steel bring depth and strategy.

Yet, many believe the King Price Race to the Sea is more likely to reward raw strength and clever solo moves.

Preen Leads a Star-Studded Women’s Field

In the elite women’s race, teamwork will not play as big a role. Instead, it is expected to be a head-to-head battle from the very first climb. Reigning South African and African Continental Gravel Champion, Hayley Preen, is the clear favourite. Racing for Honeycomb 226ers, Preen already knows what it takes to win here, having claimed the 2022 title.

“I’m very excited and feeling very ready,” Preen said with a smile. “This is my last race at home before heading back to the US, and I want to give it everything. The racing starts from kilometre one, and then it’s just about pushing through to the finish.”

Her rivals include defending champion Danielle du Toit, 2025 runner-up Sarah Hill, and the always-competitive Catherine Colyn. Former champion Cherise Willeit brings years of experience, although her focus has recently shifted to management at Specialised Somerset West.

Rising talents like Chloé Bishop, Karlise Scheepers, and Julia Marx round out a fiercely competitive women’s line-up.

Men’s Race Brings Depth and Drama

In the men’s field, the racing will likely be more tactical, particularly if unpredictable winds come into play. “Though there are road sections, it’s definitely not road racing,” explained Tristan Nortje of Imbuko ChemChamp. “The strongest on the day will win. It will be every man for himself out there, but I’ll have to race clever.”

Nortje will lean on teammates Rudi Koen and Lood Goosen, but the absence of 2024 runner-up Marco Joubert, sidelined with a knee injury, is a blow for the squad.

Form riders to watch include Marc Pritzen, who arrives in excellent shape after a series of standout performances, including a win at the Van Gaalen Trailseeker and second place at the African Continental Championships. Pritzen, the reigning King Price Race to the Sun champion, will have strong teammates in Jaco van Dyk, Casper Kruger, and Wessel Botha.

PYGA Euro Steel will pin their hopes on Jaedon Terlouw and Philip Buys, while Insect Science counters with the partnership of Keagan Bontekoning and Arno du Toit, supported by the determined Jan Withaar.

Independent riders such as Daniel Loubser, Kent Main, Travis Stedman, and Reinardt Janse van Rensburg are also capable of causing an upset.

A Battle for the Ages

Whether decided by early breakaways, punishing climbs, or a last-gasp sprint into Benguela Cove, the 2025 King Price Race to the Sea is set to deliver high drama. With elite men and women lining up for glory, fans can expect fireworks from the first kilometre.

For live updates on race day, follow @race2thesea on Instagram, check the Race to the Sea Facebook page, and catch the official highlights on the King Price Race to the Sea YouTube channel. More information is available at www.racetothesea.co.za.