Cape Town Cycle Tour and the City of Cape Town have confirmed they are finalising plans to offer a short route along with the usual route for next year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour.
Every year thousands of eager cyclists take part in this renowned cycling race and the introduction of a shorter route may encourage beginner riders to take to the road, making for a more inclusive event.
“We are extremely excited to be working in partnership with the City on this innovation,” said David Bellairs, director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust. “Cape Town was voted as the World’s Leading Festival and Event Destination in 2018 at the World Travel Awards and the Cape Town Cycle Tour has largely contributed towards that reputation. Year after year, we attract 35 000 riders, from elite racers to novices, fitness enthusiasts, locals and internationals to those that want to tick this iconic event off their bucket-list.
The new shorter route is part of the race’s plans to be more inclusive and encourage those less likely to try the longer route to give the race a try.
“We realise that the 109km route may be a bit daunting for novices or the not-so-fit. We want to be completely inclusive; we want to encourage the youth to come and have a fun, crazy costume ride with us and to get armchair athletes onto bicycles to also enjoy the camaraderie of this incredible event.”
More details regarding the route’s course and length will be available closer to the time.
“A shorter course, in addition to the full traditional route is the perfect solution. We will release more details as we confirm them, but the thinking is that the short route will be held on the Saturday, followed by the 109km route on the Sunday,” Bellairs concluded.
Interestingly, exactly four years and three months ago, 35 000 participants lined up to ride a vastly shortened version of the beloved Cape Town Cycle Tour in solidarity and support for those affected by the tragic fires burning on the mountains around Cape Town in March 2015. The route then was a 47km circular route from the start to the end of the M3 and back the same way to the finish in Green Point.
Stay in touch with the latest developments of the Cape Town Cycle Tour by following on Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/cycletour.
Picture: Facebook/Cape Town Cycle Tour