[imagesource:capecycletour/facebook]

On Sunday, 30,000 cyclists from all across the world will take part in the Cape Town Cycle Tour, the largest timed bike race in the world, with weather conditions set to be perfect for both the 109-kilometre race and the shorter 42km trip around the Mother City.

This weekend will be the 46th edition of the annual event, with roads across both routes closed to motorists.

In addition to a thousand traffic cones, the city will deploy 230 traffic officials, 40 metro police and 182 members of the SA Police Service to ensure the Peninsula is locked down as tight as a mouse’s butt for the race.

The route starts at the city hall before winding around the mountain and finishing at Green Point. If you are worried that the yearly cycle mania will interfere with your weekend plans, you can find the planned road closures here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cape Town Cycle Tour (@ctcycletour)

This year’s tour will introduce neat little tech called the SportSplits Tracker app, which allows supporters to track riders in real-time.

“We are continuously working to improve the experience for both our riders and spectators,” said David Bellairs, director at the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust. “The tracking app offers an exceptional level of engagement and excitement, allowing friends and family to stay connected and support participants every step of the way.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cape Town Cycle Tour (@ctcycletour)

Are we the only ones thinking of a bet-on-a-prawn party? Word around the tequila cooler is that 2022 champion, Marc Pritzen, is a strong favourite to win this weekend, but last year’s champ, Chris Jooste will be out to prove that his 2023 medal wasn’t a fluke.

The good news for those who won’t be able to take part in the race is that you can also watch it live on YouTube and Facebook.

The Cape Town Cycle Tour was first run in 1978 to draw attention to the need for safe cycling lanes in the city. Then called The Ride-In, the race drew immediate attention and later changed its name to The Cape Argus when the local newspaper joined as a sponsor. Since then it’s been a highlight on every cyclist’s calendar.

“Riders are doing it for the fun of it and to support various charities. But it’s not just about cyclists enjoying free access to highways in Cape Town, it’s really about raising money for causes like the Pedal Power Association, the Rotary Club of Claremont and the various charities participating.”

To everyone taking part, good luck to you and your perineum.

[source:capetowncycletour/capetalk/dm]