An early morning in the Mother City was alive with colour, energy, and Lycra as cyclists from across South Africa and beyond took to the roads for the 48th Cape Town Cycle Tour today.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde shared his excitement on Facebook earlier today in the morning, highlighting the festive atmosphere.
‘Cape Town is buzzing with gees, bikes everywhere you look, bright Lycra, big smiles and that unmistakable race-day energy. From seasoned cyclists chasing a PB to those taking on the challenge for the very first time, it’s fantastic to see so many people out on the road.’
The route took riders from the city centre, around the peninsula, up the famous Suikerbossie climb, and on to a finish line in Green Point, with supporters lining the streets to cheer participants.
Ryan Gibbons captures homecoming victory
After a decade racing professionally in Europe, Ryan Gibbons returned to local racing to claim the title that had eluded him: the Cape Town Cycle Tour crown.
As highlighted by the Cape Argus, Gibbons powered across the 109km course in 2:33:06, narrowly beating Toyota Specialized Imbuko’s Jaedon Terlouw in a tense sprint.
For Gibbons, the victory also represents the culmination of a homecoming season, following team success at the Double Century in November 2025.
‘But taking the victory is so special. It’s great to be back here in South Africa, to be part of the local cycling community again,’ Gibbons reflected.
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The men’s race was not without drama, as crosswinds and multiple crashes disrupted the peloton along Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Riders including Marc Pritzen and Lood Goosen were caught behind incidents, testing the field’s resilience. In the decisive moments, Gibbons accelerated near Hout Bay and out-sprinted Terlouw and Ryno Schutte to claim victory.
Lisa Bone powers to elite women’s title
The spotlight then shifted to the women’s elite race, where Lisa Bone dominated a field of 135 riders.
As detailed by Biker Hub, Bone executed a flawless race strategy, neutralising rival strengths, and breaking clear with key contenders including Daria Pravilova and Kate Courtney.
‘Today, every time there was a pinch point or a split, which I made, I gained a bit more confidence,’ Bone explained after her commanding finish in 2:06:26.
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Bone’s Enza Construction Cycle Nation team played a pivotal role, setting the tempo and providing support that ultimately secured her victory.
She edged out Russian Gravel World Champion Pravilova and UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Champion Courtney, cementing her status among South Africa’s top female road cyclists.
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Picture: Cape Town Cycle Tour/Instagram
