Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Keanan Hemmonsbey
Published on 2024-03-05 18:22:32
The 46th edition of the annual Cape Town Cycle Tour is set to take place this Sunday, with approximately 30,000 participants expected to pedal through the Cape Peninsula and Cape Town central business district. The event features two routes; the 109km tour around the Cape Peninsula, which has attracted about 27,500 riders, and the shorter 42km tour introduced in 2023, catering to novice and junior riders with an estimated 2,500 participants.
To ensure the safety of participants, roads along both routes will be closed to motorists on the day of the event. A team of 230 traffic officials, 40 metro police, and 182 members of the SA Police Service will be on hand to help facilitate a smooth running of the tour. The longer route begins at the city hall, winds through the picturesque peninsula, and finishes at Green Point.
Among the favorites to win this year’s tour are Marc Pritzen, the 2022 Cape Town Cycle Tour champion, and his Cape Epic teammate Tristan Nortje. Chris Jooste, last year’s winner, will be looking to defend his title, while four-time winner Nolan Hoffman is also expected to be among the front runners at the finish line.
In the women’s race, a battle is expected between Cape Epic champion Vera Looser and South African Road Race champion Carla Oberholzer. The Cape Town Cycle Tour, known as the world’s largest individually timed cycle race, attracts top professional cyclists as well as enthusiasts from all over the world.
One of the new features introduced for this year’s tour is the SportSplits Tracker app, which allows supporters to track participants in real time. David Bellairs, director at the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, emphasized the importance of enhancing the experience for both riders and spectators. He highlighted the app’s ability to engage friends and family, providing support for participants throughout the race.
Bellairs also emphasized that the Cape Town Cycle Tour is more than just a race; it is a celebration of community, resilience, and the beauty of the city. The event brings together cyclists of all levels to enjoy the scenic routes and showcase their passion for cycling.
With a rich history and a strong sense of community spirit, the Cape Town Cycle Tour continues to be a highlight on the cycling calendar, attracting participants and spectators alike. As cyclists gear up for another exciting edition of the tour, the city of Cape Town is poised to host a memorable and thrilling experience for all involved.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
