Parys is once again gearing up to host one of the most anticipated events on South Africa’s cycling
calendar— the premium Crater Cruise Gravel Race.

Set for June 14, this iconic race brings together grit, endurance, and scenic beauty in one unforgettable gravel adventure in the heart of the UNESCO Vredefort Crater, meandering along the Vaal River on rural, off-grid gravel roads.

With a total of R110 000 in prize money up for grabs, the level of competition is expected to be fierce.

Thanks to an incredible group of sponsors and supporters, this race brings top-level cyclists to Parys, with elite riders tackling a formidable 155km full-cruise gravel route through the Vredefort Dome landscape.

Also on offer are the challenging 115km Crater Cruise and the 50km Cruise50 routes, ensuring that every rider, whether you are a seasoned crusher or a weekend adventurer, has a chance to test their mettle.

What truly makes this event special for Parys is the spotlight on local talent such as Jaco van Dyk, Johan de Villiers (Senior), and Hardus Engelbrecht, who will be in action. Let’s show our support and also give these athletes a home-ground advantage.

Where did it begin?
In 2004, the Crater Cruise was established as a gravel road race in South Africa. It soon became
the battleground for roadies versus mounties.

The organisers were indeed ahead of their time and systematically converted the event into a
hybrid mountain bike event. In June 2025, the Crater Cruise was relaunched as the gravel road race it was always intended to be, celebrating Parys as the premier destination for sport and tourism.

Link to the website https://www.cratercycling. com/cratercruise for more info.