The tour, which consists of five different stages, covering a total of 584 kilometres throughout the province, kicks off today from Forever Resorts Loskop dam and would have passed through Middelburg on their way to Badplaas for the first stage of the race.

According to Race Director, Hendrik Wassenaar, the cyclists will no longer be passing through town, but will be stopped at the weighbridge on the N11 (Loskop), so that they can be transported to the N11 (Hendrina).

Mr Wassenaar said that the decision was made after yesterday’s shooting in Nasaret and that the safety of the cyclists remain the committee’s top priority.

An update will be made on the progress of the race.