Cancel Cycle Tour

I AM an avid sports fan. I follow all the codes and am proud of our international achievements. There are times, however, when we just cannot justify hosting an event such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour, especially at this critical time of a severe water shortage. The sponsors, the DA-led government and the pedal association, have all stated that only water sourced from elsewhere will be used.

What a load of codswallop. lt’s a case of water for the elite. Pray tell, what about of the thousands of spectators heading for the event? Can you imagine all the water they are going to devour? Showers, restaurants, etc. The companies who are making millions from this event just don’t want it to be cancelled for obvious reasons: money.

Forget about the interests of the working class, the poor and needy and just focus on the need to support thousands of well-heeled cyclists riding their R80 000 cycles. Pray tell, what sort of message is being sent to ordinary folk?

lt’s a simple case of sense and sensibility, and this is my humble suggestion: organisers, sponsors and local government, cancel this tour with immediate effect; and cyclists, show some mettle and donate all that water to the less fortunate citizens of our city, and if you have forfeited race fees, strive to be generous and accepting of the situation.