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This Sunday sees the largest timed cycle race in the world take to the streets of the Mother City as the starting gun fires for the 47th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour. As dawn bathes the city in golden light, close to 30,000 cyclists will clip in, take a deep breath and set off to tackle one of the world's most scenic and celebrated bike races!
But massive events like this require massive preparation and work to ensure the race goes off without a hitch. Let's take a look at some of the numbers involved in the Cape Town Cycle Tour 2025.
A route (and ride) to remember
The Cape Town Cycle Tour takes riders on a memorable 109km loop around the Cape Peninsula, offering everything from rolling highways and lung-busting climbs to exhilarating descents. And there's no time to waste, as cut-off times are strictly enforced! The elite men hit the road at 6.15 am, and the final batch of riders rolled across the start line at 8.57 am. The 2024 winner finished in a time of 2h31m, meaning the winner has crossed the finish line before the last riders have even started! All riders must cross the finish line within seven hours, with the last official finishers expected by 5 pm.
For those looking for a more accessible challenge, there's the easier 42km route too. The 42km riders start at 10 am and need to complete their ride by the cut-off at 2 pm.
People behind the pedals
It takes an army of organizers and volunteers to keep the race running smoothly. This year, that involves:
- 1000 marshals from 35 Rotary Clubs who help to monitor traffic and ensure cyclists stay safe and on course
- 41 dedicated vehicles, 18 motorbikes, and one helicopter to keep an eye from the sky.
- 230 traffic officials, 40 metro police officers, and 182 SAPS officers to ensure safety along the route
- 25 doctors, 64 nurses, and 120 first-aiders are on standby.
- 65 ambulances and nine medical motorbikes are positioned along the route
- One medical helicopter is ready to swoop in if needed
- 84 volunteers and 150 local community members roll up their sleeves to ensure the roads are left spotless.
- 12 refreshment stands keep riders fueled and hydrated along the way.
Stay hydrated
It's thirsty work cycling 109km. Luckily, Peninsula Beverages will supply:
- 39 000 liters of Powerade
- 50 000 liters of Coca-Cola
- 103 800 liters of bottled water
Who are the riders?
The Cape Town Cycle Tour has become one of the most famous cycle races in the world, and attracts a diverse field of riders. In 2024:
- 60% of riders were from the Western Cape, and 18% came from Gauteng
- 794 tandems and 1018 e-bikes lined up at the start
- The oldest male participant was 91 years old
- The oldest female was 84.
- The youngest male (11) and youngest female (12 years) rode the race on tandem bikes (not together though... that would be impressive!)
- The average age of male riders? 45. For female riders? 42.
The low-down on road closures for the Cape Town Cycle Tour.