Entries have officially opened for the 48th annual Cape Town Cycle Tour, which returns to the Mother City next March.
Established in 1978, the iconic event will see professional and amateur cyclists embark on a 109km journey along the Cape Peninsula. Alternatively, they can traverse the 42km Blue Route, which is shorter in distance but no less tough.
The event is expected to attract thousands of cyclists from across South Africa and beyond, all eager to prove their mettle, ride for a good cause or simply have fun.
CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR: WHEN, WHERE AND WHAT TO BRING
Barring any unforeseen circumstances – such as the horrendous wind conditions that saw Sunday’s Cape Town Marathon cancelled – the Cycle Tour is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 8 March 2026. Starting times have yet to be confirmed.
Participants will gather at the Grand Parade Start Precinct, which marks the starting point of both the 109km and 42km routes. Three information tents will be on-site to assist with your queries; if you haven’t already, you can also purchase a FinishTime timing board for R150 from there.
“Last-minute bike shop repairs can be done near any of the three info tents, where timing chip and number problems can be addressed and toilets are available across the Grand Parade and in the holding areas,” per the Cycle Tour’s official website.
Before leaving home for the event, ensure that you have the following:
- Your number board, cable-tied to your handlebars and facing forward.
- Your race number, worn low down and pinned to the back of your cycling shirt.
- Your FinishTime timing board, which must be affixed to your bicycle horizontally and be visible, specifically on your seat post below your saddle.
- Your cycling helmet.
SCENIC ROUTES
The classic 109km route will see you setting off from the Grand Parade Starting Precinct, riding through the Southern Suburbs and the Deep South along the scenic Cape Peninsula before looping back along the Atlantic Seaboard to the finish line in Green Point.
Riders who opt for the 42km route share the same starting point. Once they reach the end of the M3 – also known as the “Blue Route” – they will turn around and cycle back to the finish line, located 1.8km from the 109km finish line in Green Point.
During the ride, you can visit the refreshment stations (12 for the 109km route, four for the 42km route). You will find medics, physios and repair zones available at many of these stations.
CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR FEES
These are the fees for the 109km route:
- General entry: R940.
- PPA members: R700.
- International entry: R1 700.
- African entry (PPA members): R910.
- African entry (General): R1 150.
For the 42km route, it will cost R500.
TAKE PART IN THE PRELUDE CHALLENGE
If you’re unable to make it to Cape Town for the Cycle Tour next year, don’t fret – you can still participate in the virtual Prelude Challenge.
Here, you and other cycling enthusiasts can ride the 109km route within seven hours on one ride anywhere in the world. Every kilometre you log between 21 February and 1 March 2026 must be uploaded via the Strava app.
Entries for the Prelude Challenge cost R600 each.
ENTER THE CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR NOW!
Whether you’re riding solo or with your mates, or you’re looking to enjoy a panoramic ride along the peninsula or want to test your cycling skills, you don’t want to miss the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
Entries tend to close at the end of January, so now’s the perfect time to register!
To register, or for more information about the event, visit www.capetowncycletour.com.
