Cape cycle tour claims third victim
Yet another death has occurred following the weekend’s Cape Town Cycle Tour, bringing the toll to three.
The event was marred by three tragedies, all in separate incidents, according to tour director David Bellairs.
The latest death to be confirmed was that of a marshall who passed away in hospital.
During the event on Sunday, one cyclist succumbed to his wounds at the scene of a pile-up with other cyclists at the base of Wynberg Hill.
Another cyclist was suspected to have had a heart attack going up a hill at Smitswinkel Bay.
“We have received the sad news that late yesterday afternoon one of our Rotary marshalls passed away in hospital. He was stationed on an S-bend after the Llandudno turnoff and was involved in an incident.
“The circumstances are unclear and we are currently investigating the incident in conjunction with the South African Police Service,” said Bellairs.
“Our Rotary marshalls have always been integral to the successful running of the Cape Town Cycle Tour. Most of them work alongside us year after year in a voluntary capacity.
“They are part of the cycle tour family, as are our riders, and we are deeply saddened by this news. We ask for respect for the family’s privacy at this time. We will communicate further information when we have it, if appropriate.”
Bellairs said for the vast majority of cyclists and those working behind the scenes, “the 2018 Cape Town Cycle Tour had reached a successful culmination after months of hard work”.
“But three families are in mourning for the three lives lost on the route this year.”
Bellairs said he wanted to assure “everyone that all measures were taken to ensure the safety on the route of the participants and marshalls”.