South African road cyclists were shocked to learn this morning that the future of several of the country’s biggest cycling races is in jeopardy.
Cyclists who have already entered the Tour du Cap and Boland 100 Miler, and have incurred huge costs to book accommodation in the Western Cape, have been particularly hit in the stomach.
In the middle of the storm is the man who is already heavily criticised after the chaotic Theuns Jordaan tribute concert, former Beeld journalist and now promoter, Wynand de Villiers.
De Villiers is being criticised in particular because he has been giving cyclists tempting offers over the past month to enter for the five-day Tour du Cap, a five-day tour that would start every day in Wellington from March 2, 2026.
Instead of more than R3 000, cyclists paid only R1 900 and entered with enthusiasm.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/middelburg-observer/news/2025/08/05/r70-000-to-repair-potholes/
About 300 cyclists, many from overseas, have already entered and paid for their accommodation in Wellington.
Cyclists accuse De Villiers of knowing which route De Villiers National Cycling would take but still taking their money.
De Villiers did not respond to enquiries.
At this stage, it is not clear whether other major races, such as the Montecasino, Emperors Palace and Groot Trap. will continue.
De Villiers Cycling, which has been liquidated according to a statement, is one of the largest organisers of road cycling races in the country.
It organises the Netwerk24 Paarl Cycle Tour, Paarl Boxing Bay Track Challenge, Montecasino, Tour du Cap, Groot Trap, Emperors Palace Classic, Boland Gravel Monster, Shesha Finals, and Boland 100 Miler.
A letter has been sent to prospective participants of the Tour de Cup which reads as follows:
Organisational Processes for Tour du Cap and Boland 100 Miler halted.
Following the recent successful liquidation action brought against De Villiers National Cycling, all organisational processes relating to the Tour du Cap and Boland 100 Miler have been formally stopped.
As a direct consequence of the liquidation order, no further planning, coordination, or execution of these events will take place under the auspices of De Villiers National Cycling.
The matter now falls within the jurisdiction of the appointed liquidator, who will oversee all related assets, contracts, and financial implications in accordance with the applicable legal framework.
We recognise the historic importance of both events to the South African cycling calendar. However, until the liquidation process has run its course, no further commitments or assurances regarding the future of these events can be made.
Any enquiries regarding the liquidation proceedings must be directed to the office of the appointed liquidator. De Villiers National Cycling has no authority or involvement in the matter from this point forward.
