Cycle Tour ‘special’ for all concerned
A CHERISHED 43-year tradition and the world’s largest individually timed cycle race took place over the weekend, signalling a safe resumption of major sporting events.
Yesterday’s Cape Town Cycle Tour (CTCT) had about 18 000 participants. The race was won by Franschhoek resident Nolan Hoffman who bagged a fourth win in the world famous cycle tour commonly called The Argus in the cycling fraternity. Hoffman first participated in the tour in 2004.
“I’ve won the Cycle Tour four times now, but this one is the most special of all the other wins,” said Hoffman. “I’m proud of what the team achieved. We wanted to win and we did. It’s been tough. I’m getting older now and still being able to win big races is amazing.”
CTCT Trust director David Bellairs said the first Cycle Tour took place in 1978 with 525 participants.
On yesterday’s event, compared to previous years, he said: “It was a very different Cycle Tour. We had 50% of the capacity as a result of Covid. No expo, no corporate hospitality, and a revised start with smaller groups,” said Bellairs. The 2021 Cycle Tour had attracted 18 000 entries, of which 850 were international participants.
“On the whole, the event was a tremendous success, although not without its challenges,” said Bellairs.
Cycle Tour participant and Pedal Power Association chairperson Steve Hayward said: “The cyclists were so starved of events as a result of the lockdown, but it was clear to see they were happy that they could enjoy being out there in our beautiful city.”
Arts and Culture MEC Anroux Marais used the occasion to commemorate World Mental Health Day.
Marais said: “It is no coincidence that the Cape Town Cycle Tour returns on World Mental Health Day as sport, recreation and events of this nature do have a significant impact on mental well-being.”
Premier Alan Winde said: “Major events, such as the Cape Town Cycle Tour, are absolutely critical to the rebuilding and reopening of our economy following the aftermath of the pandemic.”