Final preparations for the world’s largest timed cycle tour are being wrapped up as the 44th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour takes place on Sunday
Final preparations for the world’s largest timed cycle tour are being wrapped up as the 44th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour takes place on Sunday, 13 March 2022. This year 22 500 entrants will be putting pedal to the metal, up from 18 000 last year during the peak of Covid-19.
‘It is encouraging to see the capacity limit increase and we hope that next year the full field of 35 000 riders can take part once restrictions are fully lifted. Alderman Eddie Andrews, the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, will pedal alongside thousands of cyclists. He is looking forward to the camaraderie and out-of-breath saddle conversations on Chapman’s Peak Drive. I wish him and all other participants the best of luck in tackling the steep climbs,’ said Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis.
‘The Cape Town Cycle Tour attracts cyclists from all corners of the globe and is one of the flagship events on the City’s calendar. It is another opportunity to demonstrate our skill at hosting world-class mega events. Cape Town is the World’s Leading Festival & Event Destination 2021 and this is thanks to the ongoing efforts of the very talented event organisers in our city, our wonderful hospitality industry, and the many city officials involved. Of course the natural beauty of Cape Town and the reliable infrastructure that exists in our city are part of the reason why we are able to keep attracting major events to our city,’ added Mayor Hill-Lewis.
The annual Cape Town Cycle Tour brings in an economic injection of R500 million into the local economy.
‘On this note, I want to reiterate we cannot overstate the contribution of the Cycle Tour to our local economy, in particular in a time when we are working hard to recover from the impact of Covid-19. This pandemic has tested the City’s resilience and ability to absorb unforeseen shocks. It is one of our top priorities to ensure it is easy to invest in Cape Town, to set up a business, and to create jobs because economic growth is the only sustainable path to prosperity. The hosting of big events, such as the Cycle Tour, is part of the recovery plan and I want to thank all who have been involved in arranging this marvellous race, from the organisers and sponsors, to the participants, volunteers, and City officials,’ said Deputy Mayor Andrews.
The City of Cape Town, working with the Cycle Tour Trust, has put all the necessary measures in place to ensure a safe and fun environment for cyclists.
Cycling and being outdoors encourages a healthy lifestyle, but also creates job opportunities, boosting various sectors such as the tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as logistics and many other industries in the city.
The City’s emergency services, including Traffic Services, Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue, Disaster Risk Management, and Metro Police are on duty to support the South African Police Service who are serving as the lead agency for the event.
We are looking forward to welcoming all 22 500 of you, and all your family and friends who will be supporting you.
There will be temporary road closures that will be in place over the weekend.
For a detailed list of road closures: https://bit.ly/CCT-CTCT2022
Caption 1: The City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, will participate in his third Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday. His main objective is to have a good time on his bike and to have a chat with his fellow participants. The starting point is at the Grand Parade in Strand Street, opposite City Hall.
Caption 2: Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis recently joined Open Streets for a Friday cycle through the Cape Town CBD.
Source: City Of Cape Town