Tour marred by deaths
In spite of the tragedies this year’s cyclists had perfect conditions for performing
THE deaths of two cyclists, one in a pile-up and the other one of a suspected heart attack, marred an otherwise perfect Cape Town Cycle Tour. In the one incident just before 9am, a 40-year-old cyclist, on the M3 southbound, was involved in a pile-up with a group of 20 cyclists. “His family has asked that we respect their privacy at this time and we will not be releasing his name,” Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust marketing, media and sponsorship director David Bellairs, said. Details of the accident remain sketchy. The event’s organisers have extended their condolences to the family.
In the other incident, a male participant died of a suspected heart attack at Smitswinkel Bay at about 10.20am.
Despite this, the perfect weather conditions across the Mother City yesterday was a talking point among most riders. “We needed to be responsive in respect of 2017’s challenges and looked to mitigate the wind risk. Fortunately we were blessed with perfect cycling weather today,” Bellairs said.
Over 35 000 participants descended on the Cape Town Grand Parade yesterday, the new starting point for the Cape Town Cycle Tour. The traditional Foreshore starting point was cancelled due to the severe windy weather conditions that saw last year’s event called off.
“It’s definitely great to be here. The weather, of course, is making up for last year and thousands of cyclists are joining us and I’d like to welcome each and every one of them to the Mother City,” Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille, said.
Economic Opportunities MEC Alan Winde took part in the tour yesterday.
He said the Cycle Tour drives the economy in our region. “The cycling economy is worth R1 billion and this is the catalyst event that is worth R500 million,” Winde said. He completed his 10th tour this year and received a special medal for his effort.
Cycle Tour organisers had to plan quickly after being faced with another curve ball, the province facing the worst drought. Cycle Tour organisers decided to go completely off the grid and not use any municipal water for the event.
Bellairs said despite pulling off a successful event it is back to the drawing board on certain elements they’ve picked up for next year. “Well, definitely tightening up the starting point where participants can cycle safely along the curve. We also want to involve the communities more in the Cycle Tour,” Belliars said.
Nolan Hoffman came out tops in the men’s category claiming his third title. He came in at 02:37:30. Kimberley le Court came out number one in the women’s category. She came in at 02:11:50.
Last Sunday, Bellairs, along with Minister Alan Winde, visited Ocean View BMX Track to donate 14 BMX bikes. “What is happening is a great partnership between the school, the Cycle Tour and individuals like Jimmy James, who are going above and beyond to help the youth stay away from drugs and gangs,” Winde said.