Cape Town Cycle Tour to stream live as 30k riders prepare for Sunday

With just days to go before the Cape Town Cycle Tour rolls through the city, organisers say final preparations are nearly complete as thousands of cyclists get ready for the annual race.

The 47th edition of the iconic cycling event takes place on Sunday, with participants tackling either the traditional 109km route or a shorter 42km distance.

Event organisers say entries are still open as the race works its way back to full capacity after the pandemic.

Entries still open as numbers recover after COVID

According to event organisers, the Cape Town Cycle Tour has a participant cap of 35,000 riders.

However, entries currently sit at around 30,000 cyclists.

Organisers said participation numbers have been steadily recovering since the COVID-19 pandemic, when the race field dropped to around 18,000 riders.

They added that several thousand regular participants, including some local Muslim riders and others from outside the province, are unable to take part this year due to fasting.

International riders affected by travel disruptions

Organisers estimate that between 1,200 and 1,500 international cyclists have been affected by travel disruptions caused by the war in Iran, preventing them from travelling to South Africa for the race.

Some riders who are already abroad will still take part remotely.

A group of cyclists currently in Dubai will ride the same 109km distance there in solidarity with participants in Cape Town. Their medals will be sent to them afterwards, and their rides will count as official completions.

Race to be streamed live online

While the Cape Town Cycle Tour will not be broadcast on television, organisers confirmed the race will be streamed live.

The live broadcast will be available on the event’s YouTube channel, with links also available on the official Cape Town Cycle Tour website and other online platforms.

Two race distances on offer

Cyclists can choose between the traditional 109km race and the shorter 42km route.

Organisers said the shorter distance was introduced to make the event more accessible to riders who may find the full route too demanding.

The 42km option also provides a stepping stone for cyclists who hope to eventually complete the full race distance.

Major boost for tourism and cycling industry

The Cape Town Cycle Tour remains a major economic driver for the cycling and tourism industries.

Organisers estimate the event generates about R500 million for South Africa’s economy, with significant activity in hospitality and cycling retail sectors in the week leading up to the race.

Open race expected in men’s and women’s events

Organisers expect a competitive field in both the men’s and women’s races this year.

Defending champion Tyler Lange is among the names expected to feature after winning last year in a sprint finish.

The women’s race is also expected to be tightly contested, with the field starting separately to ensure an independent race and finish.

For more information, listen to David Bellairs, Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, using the audio player below: