![\"ccs-62657-0-91509700-1537169765.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-91509700-1537169765.jpg\")
<\/a>The BUCO Karoo to Coast takes riders from the arid Karoo, in Uniondale, over the Outeniqua Mountains to Knysna, on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Photo by Ewald Sadie.<\/span><\/p>\nThe 100 kilometre long route takes in the Ou Wapad out of Uniondale; Prince Alfred\u2019s Pass, a still-gravel road pass which it has been argued is Thomas Bain’s finest work; and Kom-se-Pad through the beautiful Gouna indigenous Forest. The weather for this year\u2019s event looks set to be perfect, with mild temperatures and virtually wind still conditions predicted on the long-term forecast.<\/p>\n
If the prediction holds it could make for a year of fast times, though how the race will unfold is always difficult to predict \u2013 given the sheer size of the field. Both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s races are bereft of the defending champions however, with Robert Hobson and Jeanie de Villiers not scheduled to start. This will not affect the competitiveness of the field though, as the depth of talent in the men\u2019s start list, in particular, ensures any one of a number of riders could cross the finish line, in Knysna, first.<\/p>\n There is a healthy mix of youth and experience on display in the men\u2019s field too, with ex-professional rider Waylon Woolcock lining up against a rider he has helped train \u2013 Rossouw Bekker \u2013 in one of the more interesting match-ups within the race. The presence of brothers, Tyler and Dusty Day, along with Craig Boyes and Charlie Mcfall should aid in ensuring the pace is frantic from the off.<\/p>\n Another ex-professional, or rather ex-full time rider as he prefers, in the field is Oliver Munnik. Munnik is set to ride his gravel bike rather than a full suspension mountain bike and this choice will provide another interesting dynamic to the racing. When asked if he would be challenging for victory at the BUCO Karoo to Coast this year Munnik responded in typical fashion: \u201cI will shave my legs and give it my best shot\u201d.<\/p>\n The women\u2019s field is no less competitive but with a large number of riders on a very similar level it is virtually impossible to pick a favourite. Last year\u2019s runner up, Nicky Giliomee, could be among the podium contenders \u2013 but following a winter of niggling illness, the Stellenbosch student who hails from Knysna is hesitant to commit. \u201cI\u2019ve been sick on and off, with flu and then bronchitis, so I\u2019m not really sure how competitive I\u2019ll be\u201d Giliomee confessed.<\/p>\n<\/a>The route follows Prince Alfred\u2019s Pass, one of the country\u2019s longest and most spectacular mountain passes. Photo by Ewald Sadie.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>Defending champion, Robert Hobson, may not be starting this year\u2019s race but fellow young Stellenbosch mountain biker, Rossouw Bekker could stun the more illustrious names in the men\u2019s field. Photo by Ewald Sadie.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>The orchard blooms of the Langkloof provide brilliant colour to a route dominated by first olive and then emerald greens. Photo by Ewald Sadie.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>Knysna local, Nicky Giliomee was second in 2017 and is one of a number of potential women\u2019s champions set to start the 2018 BUCO Karoo to Coast. Photo by Ewald Sadie.<\/span><\/p>\n