The annual Cape Town Cycle tour is taking place this Sunday, 13 March, and if you’re not one of the 35 000 cyclists taking part in the race, you can still get involved by cheering on the avid cyclists from a scenic spot along the route. Be sure to pack refreshments and sunscreen.
Here six epic spectator spots to enjoy the race from:
1. Edinburgh Drive and Blue Route
Paradise Road is good for watching cyclists speed past and start the climb up Edinburgh Drive (or “Whineberg” Hill as athletes call it), which is the steepest gradient of the Tour. If you’re keen to spot a family member or friend, then this is the best vantage point, as the cyclists slow down on the ascent. The bridges along the Blue Route are also a crowd favourite.
2. Glencairn Beach
Muizenburg and Kalk Bay locals line the roads, and a little further along, there’s pedestrian access to the grassed area at Glencairn Beach.
3. Simons town
Main Road is the next popular spectator point. Jubilee Square, where Pick n’ Pay runs the refreshment station, is a long-standing favourite and always has a great spectator atmosphere. Access will be a challenge as the roads are closed, but it is worth the walk from the nearest parking point as there is always a lot of hype.
4. Noordhoek
As riders get close to Chapman’s Peak, cyclists ride past the Noordhoek Farm Village. Locals can either access this area on foot or relax at one of the restaurants on the roadside.
5. Hout Bay and Suikerbossie
After Chapman’s Peak the route slices through Hout Bay. Walk down to Main Road (M65) and give the cyclists one last hoorah before they tackle the notorious Suikerbossie Hill. Suikerbossie comes late in the day and has a fearsome reputation. It is a great place to watch. You will need to walk a short way as there is no parking on or even near the climb itself.
6. Sea Point for the finish
Here, the riders will come speeding past Camps Bay beachfront, before the thrills at the sharp left turn from Victoria Road into Queens Road, Sea Point. A pedestrian bridge here gives access to both sides of the road. Lastly, there’s the Promenade and finish line in the shadow of the Cape Town Stadium.
Some important notes from the Cape Town Cycle Tour on responsible spectating:
- Do not waste water: as much as the cyclists may want it, don’t use your hosepipe to cool them down.
- This is a non-smoking event: do not throw cigarette butts anywhere. Fires can take break out in an instant in the Cape’s hot, dry March weather.
- Not a family braai: you may braai along the route (this includes open and gas fires).
- Stash your trash: if there isn’t a bin or Chuck Zone nearby, carry your dirt until you find one.
- Wildlife: ignore any baboons (and other wildlife) that may cross your path and do not feed them! Keep food out of sight.
- Leave nature alone: do not remove or break rocks, pick plants or feed any of the wildlife.
- Be mindful of fynbos: when you drive out to support the cyclists along the route, be careful where you park your car so as not to cause any damage to the indigenous flora.
Find out everything you need to know about the route description, map and road closures here.
Also read:
Here are the road closures for the Cape Town Cycle Tour this weekend
Picture: Cape Town Cycle Tour