South Africa's Cape Argus Cycle Tour

The Cape Argus Cycle Tour, held in Cape Town, South Africa, is an annual favorite for cycling enthusiasts around the world. The race has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception in 1977. The inaugural starting field of 500 has now blossomed into a sporting event attracting more than 40,000 competitors. This cycling competition is now the largest individually timed international race.
 
The competition is particularly renowned for its induction into the International Cycling Union's Golden Bike Series, which is a first for any country outside Europe. The second Sunday in March is a spectacular day for Cape Town residents and tourists alike as they prepare to watch thousands of cyclists compete for cash awards.
 

The Beauty of the Cape Argus Cycle Tour

Part of the excitement of participating in the South Africa Cape Argus cycle race is the surrounding beauty and scenic heights. Cape Town is a crown jewel for cyclists and spectators alike. The start of the race begins within sight of Table Mountain. The first part of the route winds through upscale suburbs and scenic outlying towns.
 
The Cape Point Nature Reserve boundaries lie about mid-point, signaling the start of the more strenuous leg of the race. Chapman's Peak Drive, or Chappies, features narrow roads winding upward and edged by sheer drops into the Atlantic Ocean. Chappies crests at just over 3.1 miles and then it's a downward trek through Hout Bay, a small fishing village.
 
The most grueling part of the Cape Argus Cycle Tour is still to come, however. Suikerbossie Hill is barely one-fifth the height of Chapman's Peak and riders say it's twice as difficult. Once completed, it's down the hill and back to Cape Town for a grand finish.
 
The total length of the Cape Argus cycle race is about 65 miles. So many participants now enter that the start times are staggered over a course of hours. Some cyclists finish the race as others are just beginning.

History of the CapeArgus Cycle Tour

In 1977, cycling was not a popular sporting activity in South Africa. Two Cape Town residents, John Stegmann and Bill Mylrea, planned their own biking event and called it the Big Ride-In. Their intentions were to draw attention to the sport as well as to develop paths for bicyclers throughout the city. They solicited then-Mayor John Tyers to participate. When the Cape Argus newspaper stepped in as sponsor, a name change was in order.
 
The following year saw a much lengthier route and nearly 450 finishers. Three years later, the race entries nearly tripled. During that time, South Africa was becoming attractive to professional cyclists from many regions. The race claims many familiar signatures on the entry ledgers, including:
  • Eddy Merckx
  • Hennie Wentzel
  • Laurent Fignon
  • Miguel Indurain.
By 2000, the Rotary Club of Claremont and Pedal Power Association formed the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, which now governs the race and guides the volunteer organizers. The top 20 male winners and top 5 female winners split a purse of approximately $17,000.

Participating in the Cape Argus Cycle Tour

The Race Trust allocates 35,000 slots for South Africans with the remainder open to international cyclists. Entrants must provide a recent history of racing participation to be seeded. Anyone above age 12 is eligible in male and female categories and teams are also welcome.
 
First-time cyclists can request placement in an international group or an open category in the first quarter quadrant. If race coordinators place an entrant too high in the rankings, they can always request a drop down, but never a higher seeding.
 
To participate in the Cape Argus Cycle Tour, all riders must wear helmets. Attire isn't regulated, but standard cycling gear makes the ride easier and safer. Some teams dress up in fun garb, which is permissible. Part of the route is open to through traffic as well, and riders should observe all local rules of the road.

Visiting During the Cape Argus Cycle Tour

As with any sporting event that draws large crowds for a brief period, lines are long and slow. You'll be among approximately 200,000 visitors in addition to the official registrants and residents. The entire town becomes involved in hosting and participating in the festivities. As a spectator or cyclist, you can expect plenty of friendly assistance and a good time cheering on each entrant.
 
The Cape Argus Cycle Tour occurs during the region's peak holiday season. Tourism experts recommend that you book accommodations and transportation well in advance of the date for best prices and availability.
 
Resource
 
Cycle Tour (2008). Welcome to Cycle Tour 2009! Retrieved April 17, 2008, from the Cycle Tour Web site.