KNOW THE ROUTE
HOSPITAL HILL
“It’s important to handle the pressure here, knowing that riders are fresh and full of adrenalin.”
– Linus van Onselen, 27 sub-3 Cycle Tours
HOSPITAL BEND
Stay on the outside of the pack, as close to the front as you can get. Or, if you’re the nervous type, hang back and negotiate the corner in your own space and time. You do run the risk of being dropped from your start group, but that sure beats ending your race early and injured.
EDINBURGH DRIVE
“Ride light gears going up Edinburgh Drive – or up any hill, for that matter. This ensures that you’re pedalling easier and not taking strain going uphill, while also keeping your legs at a constant cadence.” – Malcolm Lange, SA cycling legend with over 400 race wins
FISH HOEK
Look out for manhole covers, which can result in punctures and even crashes. Have a celebratory sip of carbo drink, as you’ll have completed exactly half the race. Expect to cruise merrily from here on; if the southeaster is blowing, it’ll be behind you.
SMITSWINKEL
“It’s difficult to pass other riders if you’re in the wrong position. I always jockey for a good position on the approach to the climb, knowing that the last part of the climb is steep. Once over the top, the speed picks up quickly to 65km/h, and I don’t want to be left behind.”
– Linus van Onselen
LITTLE CHAPPIES
“Don’t push too hard on Little Chappies. Rather ride a steady pace, and wait for the main climb before pushing hard. Ride the climb like a carpet unrolling... speed up closer to the end.”
– Dr Jeroen Swart
CHAPMAN’S PEAK DRIVE CLIMB
This is a longish climb, best covered by creating your own rhythm at a pace that you find comfortable. Choose an easy gear from the bottom, and then just maintain a steady cadence. Be sure to save a couple more gears for the steeper section just after the tunnel.
CHAPMAN’S PEAK DRIVE DESCENT
When you’re weary, long descents can make you tense up, which can lead to misjudgement and ambulance rides. Try and relax your hands on the handlebars. Instead of gripping your brakes hard for corners, feather them constantly to moderate your speed. The road is closed to traffic, so don’t be afraid to use it all, especially on the corners.
SUIKERBOSSIE
“This climb requires alotof vasbyt. Here, I ride as hard as possible, in an attempt to go over the top with the top riders in my group. It’s important not to be alone going over the top, and to re-group with the other riders as quickly as possible for the chase to the finish line.”
– Linus van Onselen
LLANDUDNO
Long, sweeping turns; the only real danger here is the wind (and the vicious cat’s-eyes). During the windy tour of 2009, some cyclists were blown to a halt… on the downhills!
CAMPS BAY
The road narrows significantly here, and there are likely to be spectators and beach-goers everywhere, so stay alert.
QUEENS ROAD
The trickiest section of the route, as you drop through two traffic circles onto Beach Road. You will appreciate having worked your way to the front as you avoid the potential carnage behind.