Cape Town is bursting at the seams and pumping with adrenaline as local and international cyclists descend on the city to take part in the 31st annual Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour –the world’s largest timed cycle event. On Sunday 9th March, 40 000 racers and riders will make their way to the start line in the city centre to ride the magnificent route around the Cape peninsula.
It takes a while to register 40 000 riders... four days to be exact. As a result, the massive ‘Argus Expo’ has grown up around the registration process – which translates into marketing heaven for the burgeoning South African cycling industry. From the latest in bikes, tires, clothing and accessories to health and tourism, the expo has something for everyone. Tour d’Afrique has exhibited at the Expo for the past three years and the response to our four events ranges from ‘You have got to be kidding!’ to ‘Where do I sign up?’ Our four days at the Expo are rich and rewarding as we discuss the intricacies of trans-continental bicycle adventure with those brave enough to consider turning the dream into reality.
Thanks to all who have dropped in to visit us – and to those who haven’t yet – we’re there until 16:00, Saturday 8th March – Stand 296 on the Mezzanine Level at the Good Hope Centre.
We wish all the cyclists a great ride on Sunday.
For more info on the event visit www.cycletour.co.za
If you’re in Cape Town and want to learn more about the Tour d’Afrique and our other trans-continental bicycle events, Henry Gold and team are hosting an Experience/Info evening and will be able to answer all your questions.
Venue: Breakwater Lodge, Portswood Road, Waterfront – Lecture Theatre 6
Date: Tuesday May 15th 2007
Time: 18:00
Please RSVP Theresa 084 353 1975 to reserve your seat
Congratulations to the riders of the 5th annual Tour d’Afrique – the world’s longest and most grueling bicycle event! Photos from the finish our now online!
50 tired but triumphant riders and staff crossed the Finish Line on Saturday in Cape Town to the applause of friends, family, Consulates General of various countries, sponsors, supporters and the media.
With majestic Table Mountain in the distance set against a clear blue sky, the riders set off from Yzerfontein on their final day of the 4 month, 12 000 km odyssey across Africa.
As they cycled into the city, they were joined by the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Helen Zille, and Andrew Wheeldon from BEN (our partners in bike donations and distribution) who led the riders on a tandem through the streets of Cape Town to the Finish Line at the V&A Waterfront.
Welcomed by drummers and singers, the Arrival Ceremony was a blaze of colour and music, as the riders took the stage to receive their medals.
The Tour d’Afrique Foundation, riders and our sponsors – Toyota, Bokomo, Spekko, Imbo, Squirt and Illovo - donated 30 bikes to BEN and the Rush-Miller Foundation in America donated a tandem bike to the Athlone School of the Blind.
At the Awards Dinner at Ferryman’s Tavern, sectional and overall winners received their prizes and the riders and guests were treated to a multi-media show of their journey.
Registration for Tour d’Afrique 2008 is open – with a record number of riders already signed up. There are a few spaces still available.
For anyone in Cape Town wanting to know more about the Tour d’Afrique, Orient Express and the Silk Route, an Experience/Info Evening will take place in Cape Town on Tuesday 15th May at 18:00 at Lecture Theatre 6, Breakwater Lodge/Graduate School of Business, Portswood Road, Waterfront.
Henry Gold and team will be there to talk about the events and answer any questions. To reserve your seat, please call Theresa Brown, 084 353 1975.
