WindlineAbout the race
The Cape Town Cycle Tour, formerly the Cape Argus Cycle Tour, is a road ride and race on closed roads around the Cape Peninsula. The organiser describes it as the largest timed cycling event in the world.
History
It began in 1978 as the "Big Ride-In", a protest ride organised by Bill Mylrea and John Stegmann to call for safer cycle paths in Cape Town. A route through the Cape Point reserve was planned, but permission was refused, so a shorter course was used. The event was open to riders of all races during apartheid, and it was the first to let amateurs and professionals race on the same course.
The course
The 109 km route is a loop. Riders start on the Grand Parade beside the Castle of Good Hope, climb Nelson Mandela Boulevard, pass UCT and Newlands Forest, and tackle the steep Edinburgh Drive, known as Wynberg Hill. The M3 leads to Muizenberg, then Main Road follows the False Bay coast to Simon's Town and a long drag up to Smitswinkel near the Cape Point reserve entrance. The return runs up the Atlantic side through Scarborough and Misty Cliffs, then over the two climbs of Chapman's Peak, down into Hout Bay and up the steep Suikerbossie climb. The last stretch descends through Camps Bay, Clifton and Sea Point to the finish at Green Point by the stadium.
Distances and the 2027 edition
A 42 km route was added in 2023 for beginners, juniors and riders who want a shorter day. It shares the start, turns back at the end of the Blue Route along the M3, and finishes in Riebeek Street in the city centre. The organiser lists both events for Sunday 14 March 2027.
Cut-offs and entry
Cut-off points are set along both routes, and riders who miss them are taken to the finish by sweep bus. Entry is online through the organiser's entry system, which currently says entries open soon, and start groups are seeded using results from listed seeding events.
Where to watch
The organiser suggests Wynberg Hill, the M3 towards Tokai, Muizenberg and Kalk Bay, then Noordhoek Farm Village, Hout Bay, Suikerbossie and the run-in through Camps Bay.
Weather
Wind often shapes the day. The organiser warns of the South Easter, which can bring headwinds on parts of the route, and notes that the exposed start can feel chilly even in a light breeze. Past editions have been hit by heat, rain and gales, and the 2017 ride was called off on the day because of extreme wind and fires.
SourcesCape Town Cycle Tour home·The 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour·The 42km Cape Town Cycle Tour·About us·Wikipedia: Cape Town Cycle Tour