Cape Town Cycle Tour
The world's largest individually timed cycling event, around the Cape Peninsula.
Cape Town
Second Sunday of March
109 km
1,200 m
~35,000 athletes
Course Highlights
- False Bay coastline
- Simon's Town and Boulders Beach area
- Chapman's Peak Drive cliff road
- Atlantic coast through Camps Bay
- Table Mountain backdrop at the finish
The Course
The Cape Town Cycle Tour starts in the Cape Town city center and heads south along the False Bay coastline, passing through the suburb of Muizenberg and along the coast road to Simon's Town. The early miles are relatively flat, winding along the shore with views of the Indian Ocean and the distant mountains of the Helderberg.
The route then climbs over Smitswinkel Bay and descends into the Cape Point area before heading up the Atlantic coast toward Chapman's Peak Drive, the ride's crown jewel. Chapman's Peak is a dramatic mountain road carved into the cliff face, with sheer drops to the Atlantic Ocean hundreds of feet below. The climb is demanding, but the views are among the most spectacular of any cycling event in the world.
After Chapman's Peak, the course descends through Hout Bay and Llandudno before the final climbs over Suikerbossie and into Camps Bay. The finish along the Sea Point promenade with Table Mountain as a backdrop provides a stunning conclusion. The South African cycling community's enthusiasm and the route's natural beauty make this one of the world's great cycling events.
History
The Cape Town Cycle Tour (formerly the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour) was first held in 1978 with 525 riders. It has grown into the world's largest individually timed cycling event, with over 35,000 riders participating each year.
The event is a major fixture on the South African sporting calendar and attracts significant international participation. The stunning Cape Peninsula route has helped put Cape Town on the map as a world-class cycling destination.
How to Train for Cape Town Cycle Tour
Prepare for the wind
The Cape Peninsula is notorious for strong winds, particularly the "south-easter" which can create brutal headwinds on certain sections. Train in windy conditions and practice riding in an aerodynamic position to minimize wind resistance.
Build climbing strength for Chapman's Peak
Chapman's Peak is the defining climb of the event. Practice sustained climbs of similar length and gradient in training. The climb comes in the second half of the route when legs are already fatigued, so include climbing in the latter portions of your long rides.
Ride in a group safely
With 35,000 riders on the road, bunch riding skills are essential for safety. Practice riding closely with others, signaling, and maintaining a predictable line. The early flat sections will be particularly crowded.
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