Cape Town Cycle Tour

Date

Sunday 08.03.2026

Distances

109 km

City

Cape Town

Country

South Africa

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The Cape Town Cycle Tour is the world’s largest individually timed cycling event, held every March on a scenic 109 km route around the Cape Peninsula. It began in 1978 as a protest ride advocating for safer cycling infrastructure and quickly evolved into a major race that welcomed riders of all races during apartheid, setting a precedent for inclusivity. Over the years, it has grown into a global spectacle attracting tens of thousands of participants and cycling legends, while supporting charitable causes and promoting cycling development.

COURSE

The Cape Town Cycle Tour is a 109 km road race with 1,200 m of climbing, starting in the city centre beneath the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain. Riders roll out onto a series of early ascents via Nelson Mandela Boulevard, Hospital Bend and Edinburgh Drive before settling into a fast, flowing coastal run through Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek.

The route rises again toward Smitswinkel and the edge of the Cape Point Nature Reserve, opening into some of the most spectacular shoreline riding anywhere in the world. The final test comes with the Chapman’s Peak and Suikerbossie climbs, two Cape Town landmarks that shape every race.

From the top of Suikerbossie, it’s a triumphant return along the Atlantic Seaboard, sweeping through Bakoven, Camps Bay, Clifton and Sea Point toward a high-energy finish back in the city. This is road cycling at its most beautiful, a route as iconic as the place it calls home.

PROFILE

Elevation profile

Total Elevation Gain: Around 1,200–1,300 metres.
Key Climbs:
- Edinburgh Drive (Wynberg Hill): Early in the ride, a short but sharp climb to warm up the legs.
- Chapman’s Peak: A scenic climb of about 4.5 km with gentle gradients (average 4–5%) but exposed to wind.
- Suikerbossie: The toughest climb near the end—2.6 km averaging 6%, with pitches up to 8%. This is the decisive point for many riders.
Terrain: Mostly rolling with long flat sections along the coast, interspersed with these three major climbs.

Difficulty

The route is challenging due to its length, wind conditions, and the final Suikerbossie climb, but it’s achievable for most trained cyclists. The scenery—mountains, ocean views, and coastal roads—makes it one of the most beautiful rides in the world.

CAPE TOWN

The Mother City

Cape Town is South Africa’s crown jewel, a vibrant coastal city where natural beauty meets rich culture and history. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, it offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, relaxation, and world-class cuisine. Visitors can ride the cable car or hike to the summit of Table Mountain for panoramic views, explore the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, and learn about South Africa’s past at Robben Island and the District Six Museum.

For nature lovers, the Cape Point Nature Reserve and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens showcase breathtaking landscapes and unique flora, while Boulders Beach delights with its famous African penguin colony. Wine enthusiasts can savour award-winning vintages in the nearby Stellenbosch and Franschhoek winelands, and foodies will find endless culinary experiences at the V&A Waterfront and trendy city eateries.

Whether you’re paragliding from Lion’s Head, enjoying a sunset cruise, or simply soaking up the sun on Clifton’s beaches, Cape Town promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. It’s not just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you forever.