The Cape Town Cycle Tour has confirmed the tragic death of a participant during the 2026 event, believed to have suffered a heart attack.
In a heartfelt statement shared with Cape Town Etc, the organisers expressed their condolences, stating, ‘It is with deep sadness that the Cape Town Cycle Tour has to announce the passing of a participant during the 2026 event due to a suspected cardiac arrest.
‘We would like to extend our condolences to his friends and family members and ask the public to please respect their privacy at this difficult time,’
Despite this heartbreaking incident, the day also featured exhilarating moments, highlighted by Ryan Gibbons’ celebrated victory on the iconic Helen Suzman Boulevard in Green Point.
After a decade of competing in Europe, Gibbons returned to South Africa with great fanfare, beginning his homecoming with a team win at the Double Century in November 2025.
His triumph at the Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday, 8 March, marked the crowning achievement in his illustrious career, establishing him as a national cycling hero.
The 48th edition of the event witnessed a fiercely contested elite men’s race, fraught with challenges. Gusty crosswinds swept through the Southern Peninsula, demanding that cyclists maintain precise positioning to contend for victory.
Gibbons demonstrated remarkable resilience, navigating through the chaos largely unharmed, thanks to the strategic strength of his team.
However, not all riders were as fortunate. Chaos reigned as multiple crashes marred the event. One significant incident involved Marc Pritzen, whose chain unexpectedly dropped while chasing down a strong breakaway that featured competitors like Daniel Loubser, Wynand Hofmeyr, and Herman Fouche.
Struggling to regain his position, Pritzen found himself caught behind another rider’s crash, adding to the day’s turbulence. Fellow competitor Lood Goosen also faced adversity after a heavy fall yet managed to continue racing.
As Gibbons celebrated his hard-fought victory, he was met with warm congratulations from his competitors, Jaedon Terlouw and Ryno Schutte, who secured second and third place respectively.
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Picture: Gallo Images / Halden Krog
