Mother City welcomes 35 000 Cycle Tour riders
THE City is geared to watch and entertain thousands of riders taking part in the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
With 35 000 participants, including 4 500 international competitors, the cycle tour is the world’s largest timed cycle race.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is run by Pick n Pay, Momentum and Cape Times sister newspaper the Cape Argus.
There is a 30 percent chance of rain on the day and a high of 24ºC, but spectators and cyclists are still advised to wear sunscreen and hats.
The route is also one of the most spectacular in the world.
It takes in the south peninsula from the city centre on to the M3, through Hout Bay along the Atlantic coast, and ending at the Sea Point Promenade.
Thousands of cyclists are expected to fly in from all over and the Airports Company SA (Acsa) has pulled out all stops to ensure a smooth arrival.
Many people are riding for charity and in teams, most of them dressed to a theme, which could be as simple as wearing the same colours or as elaborate as furry costumes.
Cape Town International Airport spokesperson Deidre Davids said they made special drop-off and collect arrangements for bicycles.
They also have special signage which will make it easier for cyclists to navigate their way through the air- port. The first to-do event on many of the cyclists’ list will be at the Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo at Cape Town Stadium in Green Point to collect race packs.
The expo is considered South Africa’s largest cycling, fitness and healthy lifestyle expo with more than 320 exhibitors and about 75 000 visitors.
On Sunday before dawn, thousands of people are expected to line the route to cheer on competitors. Page 3
While some will be rising before the sparrows to shave their legs and dress in lycra, and checking their tyre pressure, others will be up at the same time, packing picnic baskets and making sure the flask is filled with coffee and the ice packs are in the cooler box.
What would the tour be like without spectators?
They line the route, some erect gazebos, and veterans come prepared, with picnic tables, umbrellas and blankets.
Some of the best viewing sites are along Paradise Road, good for watching cyclists speed past and start the climb up Edinburgh Drive – the steepest gradient on the tour.
Simon’s Town Main Road is the next popular spectator point and en route to the finish line spectators can get a glance at.
Suikerbossie is where cyclists huff and puff their way up the steep hill.
Lastly there is the Promenade, where you can catch all the emotion as cyclists cross the finish line.
Post-race parties have become legendary.
The popular Long Street, the V&A Waterfront, Green Point and Sea Point will be a hive of activity until the wee hours.
A relaxing post-race activity is a scenic ride on the Table Mountain Cableway.
For those looking to take a complete break from city life during their stay in Cape Town, the Cape Winelands region with its selection of fine wines and scenery is a great option.
The wine estates that are worth paying a visit include Neethlingshof, Delheim, Spier, Saxenburg, Welmoed and Delaire.
Cycling for 109km is sure to work up an appetite, and one of the best places to satisfy your need for meat is to visit one of the city’s landmark attractions, Mzoli’s Place in Gugulethu.