Local cyclists to take on the most beautiful route

Forty years ago 500 cyclists – of all races – set out on a cycle race in Cape Town which was to become the biggest timed event of its kind in the world -–the Cape Argus.
Fast forward to 2018, and 35 000 cyclists – from the professionals to the average weekend cyclist – are expected to cover the route of around 109km in the shadow of Table Mountain.
Among them will be a group of local cyclists – including Rotarians who will be using the event to raise money for various charities.
Ken Vorster who is a veteran of the event having done around 15, recently gave a short history of the race, now officially known as the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
“The authorities were dead against such an event in the beginning and not even a 3 000 signature petition could persuade them. Eventually, after much haranguing, the Cape Argus Cycle tour was born. It was to be a mass-participation event open to all who wanted to enter.
“That second bit was important: this was a trying time for forward-thinking sports administrators and forward-thinking humans.
“The organising committee wanted the Cycle Tour to be an official, sanctioned event, but no matter how much the Department of Sport loved the idea and wanted a part of it, their proviso that it would only be open to white participants remained a huge stumbling block.”
Ken added that the organisers wrote a ‘brave letter to the authorities informing that the event would be open to all – which was ground-breaking 40 years ago.’
“The Cape Town Cycle Tour is a celebration of the power of the pedal and brings all folk together. Some interesting facts: on race day the following are consumed: Hydration Crew: 40 500 litres Coke: 1 440 litres Coke Zero: 42 000 litres Powerade and 97 000 litres Bon Aqua water.” Be sure to keep an eye on the television to see if you can spot our cyclists among the throngs on March 11!