The B-well Around The Pot welcomed 2 000 gravel riders to Swellendam for the 2022 edition, with Matt Beers and Yolande de Villiers winning the pro-class 100 Miler and Freddie Visser and Rebecca Van Huyssteen overcoming the endless rolling hills of the Southern Cape to take victory in the 320-km 200 Miler.  Winter has us in its grasp and that means prime gravel season in South Africa. While this means crisp air, brown grass and blue skies for most of the country, the rolling roads of the Overberg offer a completely different outlook – green and yellow as the Canola crop cheers up even the most broken of riders. On 29 July, the 5^th edition of the B-well Around The Pot will boast a 200 Miler,  60 Miler and a 25 Miler, along with the flagship 100 Miler. 

The event is already attracting some big names – five-time Cape Town Cycle Tour winner Cherise Willeit has been bitten by the gravel bug, big-time, and will be leading the way in the 100 Miler, while Matt Beers is a possible return-entrant in the men’s category after his dominant win in 2022. “I love these gravel events,” says Williet. “We make a family getaway of them, we will be staying in Swellendam and the kids come, too, so everybody gets some riding in. I am not sure about 160km though, for me, but we will see. I haven’t had the time to do the endurance training…” She will have some competition from defending champion Yolande de Villiers, and more as the men’s and women’s fields continue to grow in depth.

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Defending Double Pot champ Freddie Visser might not be back to retain his title, possibly opting for the 100 Miler instead, but SA endurance legend Kevin Benkenstein will be their to fill his place, along with Henry Muller (second last year), Bruere Kloppers (third last year), Dean Hopf and Roelof Mostert all looking for the win. The women’s Double Pot is also packed with talent – Rebecca Van Huyssteen (Current Double Pot Queen), Tyla Setzkorn (second place last year), Francis Visser (third place last year, and Freddie’s mom, with multiple Mungas under her belt), Jessica-Leigh Wilkinson and others throwing their names into the, um, pot.

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“The aim for this year is certainly to exceed the 2022 numbers,” grinned race founder Rohan Germishuys. “There are amazing bed and breakfasts as well as restaurants in Swellendam, and the B-well Around The Pot provides a distance or challenge for every level of rider. For those new to gravel there’s the exceptionally scenic 25 Miler through the Bontebok National Park. Riders looking for a challenge, but who aren’t ready to take on a full 100 Miler yet, the 60 Miler route includes the best of the iconic 160 kilometre course including a crossing of the Breede River on the Pont at Malgas.” 

“For the real gravel aficionados, including those who want to test themselves against the best in the country, the 100 Miler is the race to do,” Germishuys advised. “The rolling roads of the Overberg are in excellent condition in winter and by late July the canola fields will be in full bloom, especially on the eastern side of the Breede River. Those fields, along with the section through the Renosterveld Reserve and the crossing of the river are undoubtedly the highlights of the route for me. Even as a local I’m continually amazed by how beautiful they are.” 

In 2022 the B-well Around The Pot saw a battle between Matt Beers, Marc Pritzen, HB Kruger, Casper Kruger, Tristan Nortje and Jaco Venter evolve over the course of the 100 Miler; with the pont neutral zone playing a pivotal role in determining the podium places. Yolande de Villiers and Catherine Colyn proved their gravel pedigree in the women’s race, but this year there are sure to be more women stepping up to contest the victory against the country’s pair of most experienced gravel racers. 

The inaugural 200 Miler was won by Freddie Visser, in a time of 13 hours, 10 minutes and 28 seconds, with Rebecca van Huyssteen claiming the first women’s crown. For 2023 the 200 Miler will remain a race for the brave. “Gravel is certainly growing and maturing in South Africa,” Germishuys reflected. “There’s a great vibe and excitement around the discipline. It’s great to see so many other races popping up too. Riders can now virtually focus on gravel from April to August and earn good prize money doing so. That said, we’re a way off the States still and the really long distances haven’t quite attracted the numbers yet. I think we’ll see organic growth in the 200 Miler distance and hopefully in time it will become the premier event at the B-well Around The Pot, as it is at Unbound in Kansas.” 

Swellendam’s winter weather adds another element to the adventure during the races. “Unlike most of the Western Cape we actually get a significant amount of our annual rainfall in summer. The winter days can be beautifully cool and crisp, without a breath of wind. But when the cold fronts blow through, the north westerly wind can make the return leg of the race really tough. That’s bike racing though… you can’t control the weather. The tougher the conditions the more memorable the edition will be,” Germishuys laughed. 

Entries to the 2023 B-well Around The Pot are open. Would-be riders are encouraged to secure their spot and book their accommodation soon, to avoid disappointment. Visit www.aroundthepot.co.za for more information and to enter one of the four distances. 

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