As South Africa rides a wave of sporting triumphs and a growing appetite for grit-driven adventure, the Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race continues to carve out a distinctive place in the country’s cycling culture.
Now in its fifth year, the Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race has emerged as a standout event in South Africa’s rapidly expanding gravel cycling calendar – not just for its challenging terrain, but for its unique combination of physical endurance, creative spirit, and radical hospitality.
“In a year where South African cycling is gaining serious global attention, we’re proud to be the race that reminds people why they started gravel riding in the first place,” says race founder Jeremy Crowder.
This May, riders gathered in the otherworldly Tankwa Karoo for the race’s milestone edition, including well-known names like Dan Craven and Martin Freyer, who crossed borders to be part of the experience.
Riders arrived on gravel bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes – whatever machine matched their spirit and grit. That said, the Tanqua Kuru, is not about the gear, it’s about the journey!
With gravel cycling participation doubling globally since 2020, and local events multiplying in the wake of the sport’s popularity (fuelled in part by South Africa’s own growing reputation in international road and mountain biking circuits), Tanqua Kuru offers something rare: a race that’s as much about community as it is about competition.
“It’s not just about speed – it’s about spirit.” Crowder said.
CREATING SOMETHING UNIQUE
Built on intention rather than spectacle, Tanqua Kuru is known for its immersive rider experience.
“We started Tanqua Kuru to create something personal and a little bit wild,” says Crowder.
From whimsical waterpoints – a desert Tiki Bar, an ice-cold Coke oasis, and a music-laced snack stop – to a setting so stark and beautiful it feels surreal, every detail is designed to surprise and delight.
“And it’s that magic – more than distance or difficulty – that keeps over 60% of our riders coming back year after year.”
“There’s something about this race that gets under your skin,” said one returning rider.
“You come here for the ride, but you leave with a story – and a family.”
Another rider was overheard saying, “I came here to lose myself, instead, I found myself.”
A MEANINGFUL RIDE
At a time where mass participation events often prioritise scale over soul, Tanqua Kuru represents a return to meaning.
In this event, riders don’t just race here, they connect. They tap their cleats to music in the heart of the desert, swap stories over steak sliders, and savour ice-cold Coca-Colas pulled from a vintage fridge tucked away in the most unexpected place.
And for sponsors, the event also offers something just as valuable: alignment with purpose.
South African aircraft producer, Sling, was once again at this year’s event, providing participants with some aerial excitement.
“Tanqua Kuru reflects the pioneering ethos we live by,” says Sling’s CEO, Andrew Pitman, a returning race sponsor.
“It’s bold, community-driven, and authentic – values that resonate far beyond cycling.” Pitman said.
As South African sport finds itself at the forefront of global conversations – from rugby world dominance to a resurgence of local cycling legends – Tanqua Kuru is proof that the future of South African sport isn’t just big stadiums and medal counts.
It’s also dusty backroads, shared sunsets, and such races that leave a mark, long after the tyres stop turning.
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