Tour d'Afrique
About the Race
Does the idea of competing on the Tour d’Afrique with bicycle racing enthusiasts of all ages and capabilities turn your crank? If yes, jump on your saddle and join the select group of riders from around the world who can say they have raced from Cairo to Cape Town!
The Tour d'Afrique is a 94-stage race broken up into 8 sections. It includes 22 rest days, 2 untimed stages, and 2 days of travel across Lake Nasser for a total of 120 days. The overall winner is the cyclist who achieves the lowest accumulated time.
As our longest standing and largest race, the Tour d’Afrique has undergone changes and experimentation over the years. However, it remains true to its original intent of being a formal but very friendly competition that covers as much of the distance from Cairo to Cape Town as possible. The emphasis is always on having fun and keeping everyone safe and healthy.
The daily stages average 123 km (77 miles) in length, and range from 80 km (50 miles) to more than 200 km (125 miles). Stage results and winners are announced each night and the official results are posted to the website 2-3 times per week. Sectional champions are also honored.
Each full tour racer is allowed a limited number of grace days, whereby their worst stage times are deducted from their total time. In addition, there are also a number of mando days, on some of the toughest stages, which cannot be used as grace days. The winners of each mando day receive a time bonus, as does any racer who rides EFI (every f…ing inch) of the Tour.
A few stages will be in the form of time trials, including the famous climb up the Blue Nile Gorge. Certain other stages include non-race portions, usually when the Tour rides with a police escort or in convoy through cities.
It should be noted that the daily route, distance, start times, and other stage details are not definite and can be changed on short notice by the Race Director or Tour Director as necessary. It is also important to note that the race is not on a closed circuit. All riders need to stay aware of traffic, pedestrians, and other obstacles while navigating the day’s route, and must obey the local traffic regulations at all times. The complete race rules are provided to registered riders.
Cyclists will be recognized in the following categories:
The Tour d'Afrique is a 94-stage race broken up into 8 sections. It includes 22 rest days, 2 untimed stages, and 2 days of travel across Lake Nasser for a total of 120 days. The overall winner is the cyclist who achieves the lowest accumulated time. As our longest standing and largest race, the Tour d’Afrique has undergone changes and experimentation over the years. However, it remains true to its original intent of being a formal but very friendly competition that covers as much of the distance from Cairo to Cape Town as possible. The emphasis is always on having fun and keeping everyone safe and healthy.
The daily stages average 123 km (77 miles) in length, and range from 80 km (50 miles) to more than 200 km (125 miles). Stage results and winners are announced each night and the official results are posted to the website 2-3 times per week. Sectional champions are also honored.
Each full tour racer is allowed a limited number of grace days, whereby their worst stage times are deducted from their total time. In addition, there are also a number of mando days, on some of the toughest stages, which cannot be used as grace days. The winners of each mando day receive a time bonus, as does any racer who rides EFI (every f…ing inch) of the Tour.
A few stages will be in the form of time trials, including the famous climb up the Blue Nile Gorge. Certain other stages include non-race portions, usually when the Tour rides with a police escort or in convoy through cities.
It should be noted that the daily route, distance, start times, and other stage details are not definite and can be changed on short notice by the Race Director or Tour Director as necessary. It is also important to note that the race is not on a closed circuit. All riders need to stay aware of traffic, pedestrians, and other obstacles while navigating the day’s route, and must obey the local traffic regulations at all times. The complete race rules are provided to registered riders.
Rewards
Cyclists will be recognized in the following categories:- Top 3 men and women - full Tour
- Men and women Sectional Champions
- Men and women Stage Winners
- All men and women EFIers (those who cycle every inch from Cairo to Cape Town)
- Additionally, all participants receive a commemorative Tour d'Afrique jersey at the awards dinner
