The smell of tyres, the sound of swift pedalling and the pure beauty of riding a stunning route that showcases the city – the Cape Town Cycle Tour is full steam ahead this weekend for its 43rd edition after being cancelled due to COVID-19.
Some City officials will also be hopping on their bikes to partake in the activities. Alderman Eddie Andrews and the City’s Executive Director Finance Kevin Jacoby will be among thousands of cyclists who will be taking part in the 109km race event on Sunday, October 10 2021.
“Having events in the City of Cape Town, we are exposed to beautiful pockets of our city. There are four major climbs on the Cycle Tour, including Wynberg Hill, Smitswinkel and Chapman’s Peak. They are all stunning and to pass through communities like Ocean View, Masiphumelele and the Camp’s Bay strip is just amazing,” the City of Cape Town statement read.
Jacoby placed emphasis on the link to charities as a way of supporting the needy, also mentioning that “we have been cramped up from events in the past that it will be great to be out there reflecting on healthy fit lives, while also admiring our environment”.
This is the first ever Cape Town Cycle Tour to be held without spectators, although, the race event has been allowed to accommodate 18 000 cyclists.
“The last year has been a challenging year for all, including the sports, events and tourism industries as the pandemic has affected these sectors across the globe. We are thrilled that one of Cape Town’s signature events is returning after more than a year of absence. The City views the Cycle Tour as one of the key events that could go a long way in being a catalyst in the long-term recovery of the events sectors,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith.
Meanwhile, three-time champion Nolan Hoffman leads a star-studded elite field for the Cycle Tour that also includes SA’s top-ranked mountain biker Alan Hatherly and local hero Nic Dlamini, who became the first black South African to ride the Tour de France this year.
“It’s just one of those races that you have to do,” Dlamini, who hails from Capricorn Park, said. “Racing in my home town is very special and even though I race all around the world, the Cycle Tour is still my favourite route.”
South African champion, Olympian and Hout Bay local Hayley Preen will be a firm favourite for the women’s race after an outstanding year.
The world’s largest timed cycle race kicks off at 6am on Sunday morning when the first batch of riders set off towards Simon’s Town in a staggered rolling start format.
Experience the magic of race day and cheer on your friends and family from the comfort of your couch. We’ll be broadcasting the #ctcycletour2021 live on our Facebook page from 06:00 – 12:30 on Sunday, 10 October. See you there! pic.twitter.com/wmcO8WN8OG
— Cape Town Cycle Tour (@CTCycleTour) October 8, 2021
Catch all the live action over here: https://www.facebook.com/cycletour
Motorists are advised to take note of the temporary road closures that will be in place over the weekend and to plan their trips accordingly.
The complete list of road closures is available here: https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/CTCT-Road-Closures-2021.pdf.
Picture: Supplied