Tragedy mars Cape Town Cycle Tour
A shadow was cast over the Cape Town Cycle Tour (CTCT) yesterday due to the deaths of two people in two separate incidents, one of which was an accident involving multiple participants.
Around 9am, a 40-year-old man was involved in a crash with 20 fellow riders. He received medical attention at the scene but his injuries proved fatal.
Later in the morning, another male participant succumbed to a suspected heart attack at Smitswinkel Bay.
“Our most sincere condolences go out to the families of both these participants,” the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust said in a statement.
Both families had asked that the names of the individuals be kept private, and organisers said no further details would be released.
The 109km race, attracting over 30 000 amateur riders, was held for the 40th time after being cancelled in 2017 due to galeforce winds.
Among the challenges faced by organisers this year included the drought in the Western Cape and an attempt to avoid a potential repeat of the problems caused by last year’s weather.
They achieved their goals by introducing more than three million litres of water to Cape Town from other areas, after committing to using no municipal drinking water during the event, and by moving the start to the Grand Parade Precinct.
“We needed to be responsive in respect of 2017’s challenges and looked to mitigate the wind risk,” said CTCT director David Bellairs.
“Fortunately we were blessed with perfect cycling weather today.”
Among the scores of entrants, the event has attracted many “international professional cyclists and high-profile celebrities keen to experience the camaraderie of the 109km route – two-thirds of which runs through the Table Mountain National Park, a World Heritage Site”, according to the organiser’s website.
“...CTCT injects some R500 million into the Western Cape economy every year, but even more significant is the millions it raises for welfare.”
The charitable surplus generated through the CTCT goes to its two beneficiaries, the Pedal Power Association (PPA) and Rotary Club of Claremont, Cape Town, the CTCT statement went on to say.