The 2025 B-well Around the Pot, presented by employment-law service provider Seesa, kicks off a busy period of gravel racing for the South African cycling calendar, and the defending champion, Matt Beers, will once again be on the Swellendam start line on Saturday 2 August.
The two-time national champion stormed to victory in the 100-Miler in 2024 and this year, he and his Toyota Specialised teammates will be racing on the gritty gravel roads of the Overberg along with other participants of the popular B-Well Around the Pot gravel race.
“It’s always exciting to have a rider of the calibre of Matt Beers on the start list,” race founder Rohan Germishuys grinned. “It certainly adds to the prestige! It’s great to welcome Cherise Willeit back too, along with Johan van Zyl.
“The racing at the sharp end is sure to be thrilling, but our focus remains on providing a stellar gravel experience to every competitor. From the famous champions to the young riders taking on their longest ever ride in the 25-Miler distance, everyone is treated with the same platteland hospitality.
“The gravel roads are looking good,” Germishuys noted, “and we’ve had a relatively dry winter so far, with slightly below-average rain. We’re holding thumbs for mild temperatures, still conditions and clear skies on race day.
“Difficult weather makes the racing more memorable, but I think I can speak for everyone when I say we’d prefer a fast rather than unforgettable edition.”
Gravel enthusiasts can now enter the event, choosing between the 100-mile (155 km) race, the 60-mile (102 km) or the 25-mile (48 km). Entries to the 100-, 60- and 25-mile races close on 29 July at midnight. The start and finish lines for this event will be the Swellendam Showgrounds.
“The 100-miler riders will experience 100 miles (155 km) of gravel road, racing towards the Potberg Mountain. They will then reach Ouplaas to enter into a 30-minute neutral zone before riding the last 60 km back towards Swellendam, where the Gravel King and Queen will be crowned.
The 60-mile (102 km) ride will also reach Ouplaas at 45 km. The 25-mile (48 km) fun ride will take cyclists through farmlands and gravel roads.
“Riders will experience a superbly organised event with some great goodie bags, well-stocked water points and spectacular on-route scenery,” said the organisers.
The 60- and 100-mile riders will receive a roosterkoek at Ouplaas. Everyone will receive a hamburger at the finishing line. All the food will be prepared by the Swellendam High and Primary Schools.
Visit www.aroundthepot.co.za to enter and experience the hype in the build-up to the event.
