One of the success stories of the 2023 Cape Town Cycle Tour was the introduction of the 42km route. It attracted riders from across the cycling and non-cycling spectrums with thousands of universally happy faces crossing the city-centre finish line.
The 42km route complements the classic 109km route in several ways. Not only does it draw on, and increase, the roadside fan support, but it has also opened up the beauty of the first part of this well-known route. It carries full road closure, just like the 109km, making it the safest day on a bike a big-city rider could ever dream of. Roadside refreshment stations, roving mechanics, full-time medical supervision and assistance, and a shiny medal at the finish – the 42km Cape Town Cycle Tour has everything big brother offers, in a less intimidating package.
It’s beautiful!
Experience the views across the Cape Flats, False Bay all the way to Gordon’s Bay, Stellenbosch and Paarl. Or the green coolth of the indigenous Newlands forest, which you benefit from in both directions. The Constantia vineyards, Tokai’s world-class MTB trails calling you from not far away….and the final act: the unfolding view over the harbour, Table Bay, Robben Island and the Swartland fading into the distance as you crest the final climb of the day in the shadow of Table Mountain.
Who should ride the 42km Cape Town Cycle Tour?
Anyone, really, on any bike! It’s an easier route than the 109km, without being too easy – there is enough climbing to keep you interested, and to reward you with just enough thrilling descents to keep you smiling.
- It’s a steppingstone to the classic event; for newcomers it’s a toe dipped in the waters of mass-participation cycling, while 109km veterans who were worried about their fitness take the opportunity to still be part of the most wonderful day out on a bike.
- There is a growing schools contingent in the 42km event – riders need to be 13 to ride the full 109km, but only 11 for the 42km, so it’s a superb and safe opportunity to experience the rush of riding bikes fast with other people.
- It’s so safe! Not only are the roads completely closed to traffic, other than bicycles and event vehicles, but there are a couple of thousand like-minded chaperones to guide even the most novice rider to the finish.
- It attracts a large number of riders (including e-bike riders) no longer confident enough in their fitness or physical health to tackle the full 109km, and also brand-new Cycle Tour entrants.
- There will be a Schools Challenge again in 2024, to be launched in full in early November, with rewards for the schools who enter the most riders.
42km Cape Town Cycle Tour entries are open at www.capetowncycletour.com and cost R450 for adults, or R395 for scholars under the age of 18. Enter before 2 January to avoid the 2024 price increase and secure your ticket for a spectacularly fun two-wheeled day in the sun.
