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. In 2012 it is scheduled to include 69 full race days from camp to camp, 9 half race days from camp to lunch or lunch to camp, 4 individual time trials including the infamous Blue Nile Gorge, and 12 non-race days (when all racers who complete the day's ride are assigned a time of 5 hours). Half race days and non-race days are typically held when the Tour is entering a large city or crossing a border. 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 top finishers on each mando day also receive time bonuses.
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. In 2012 it is scheduled to include 69 full race days from camp to camp, 9 half race days from camp to lunch or lunch to camp, 4 individual time trials including the infamous Blue Nile Gorge, and 12 non-race days (when all racers who complete the day's ride are assigned a time of 5 hours). Half race days and non-race days are typically held when the Tour is entering a large city or crossing a border. 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 top finishers on each mando day also receive time bonuses.
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
