Around 30 000 cyclists will take part in the Cape Town Cycle Tour this weekend. But this event is not about just one cycle race, a whole range of activities will be held in the Mother City, over the next few days. This is ahead of the big race on Sunday.
“This is a powerful reminder that the Cape Town Cycle Tour is not just a race, but a global draw-card,” said May-co Member, JP Smith.
Ahead of the Cycle Tour on Sunday, there is also an expo, a couple of days before.
The Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith says this year’s 48th Edition of the race, will see Cape Town Cycle Tour week kicking off on Thursday, 5 March. Rider registration will take place over 3 days at the Lifecycle Expo at the DHL Stadium. The world’s largest timed cycle race takes place on Sunday, 8 March 2026.
Smith elaborated, “This week, thousands more riders from across South Africa and the world will descend on the Mother City, filling hotels, restaurants and public spaces as they prepare to take on one of the most iconic cycling routes in the world. “
Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo
Smith says around 10 000 of the approximately 30 000 cyclists expected to take part will travel from outside the Mother City to take part in the 2026 Cape Town Cycle Tour. He says, in 2025, the other 10 000 travelling cyclists came from more than 60 countries.
He added, “The City will once again assist the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust to ensure that participants have a smooth and safe journey around the peninsula.”
Logistics for Race day
Smith says thousands of cyclists will take on the 109km and the 42km from the CBD. The other races are the 78km invitational Women’s Race and U17 Boys Race from Fish Hoek. He says the traditional 109km route starts at the Grand Parade at 06:16. It circles the Cape Peninsula before finishing on Helen Suzman Boulevard in Green Point.
What is also important to know is that the 78km Invitational Women’s Race (06:20) and the U17 Boys Race (06:15) will once again start in Fish Hoek. Both these races finish in Green Point. Smith added that the increasingly popular 42km route provides a shorter, but no less memorable experience. It draws riders through the southern suburbs via the M3 before finishing in the city. This ride will set off from 10AM.
Information about the Cycle Tour Expo
The City can expect an influx of about 35 000 people who will the expo over the next few days. This expo has been described in the past as a celebration of cycling, health and fitness under one roof. It will feature over 80 exhibitors. They are showcasing the latest in cycling gear, nutrition, technology and apparel.
“The City will deploy their Safety and Security personnel from Traffic Services, Metro Police, Law Enforcement and Disaster Risk Management along the route,” Smith commented.
Cycle Tour participants and children under 12 years, who wish to attend the Expo can do so free of charge. However for those who are not taking part in the race of who are children, older than 12, there is a cost implication of R50.
Here are the operating hours:
- Thursday, 5 March: 09:30 – 19:00
- Friday, 6 March: 09:00 – 19:00
- Saturday, 7 March: 09:00 – 16:00
You are reminded that public parking is available at CTICC P1 (paid), P9, P11, P12 and P13. There is also a dedicated bike park and disabled parking in P5 and P13.
Where can spectators go
Smith has encouraged residents and visitors to bring the gees. You are encouraged to line the route to do this. He says the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust has identified spectator-friendly spots along the route where members of the public can watch and cheer on the cyclists.
- Mostert’s Mill (M3).
- Edinburgh Drive (Wynberg Park).
- Ladies Mile.
- Steenberg Road.
- Jubilee Square in Simon’s Town.
- Noordhoek Farm Village.
- Hout Bay CBD.
- Camps Bay Main Road.
- Sea Point Promenade.
- Race Finish on Helen Suzman Boulevard in Green Point.
MORE INFORMATION: The Cape Town Cycle Tour and other Mother City events
City Statement about Road Closures and Public Transport
Residents and motorists are advised that minor road closures will be in effect in some areas from Friday with hard closures in place on Saturday, 7 March and Sunday, 8 March 2026, particularly in the CBD, Green Point, Sea Point, Southern Suburbs and the Deep South.
Key closures include:
- Sections of Helen Suzman Boulevard.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive.
- M3 Highway (outbound).
- Nelson Mandela Boulevard (N2 outbound).
- Hospital Bend Interchange.
- Victoria Road, Camps Bay.
- Main Road (M4) through the Deep South.
Castle Street between Darling and Stand streets will be closed from 19:00 on Friday until 06:00 on Saturday to allow for the construction of the start gantry. The situation intensifies on Saturday, 7 March, as multiple streets, including sections of Castle Street, Darling Street, and Strand Street will be closed in the CBD from 14:00 until late on Sunday afternoon.
A comprehensive list of all road closures is available here.
The race will also have an impact on several MyCiTi routes in the CBD and on the service to Hout Bay/Hangberg.
For more information on impacted stops and deviations, visit the MyCiTi website.
A three-stop bus shuttle
A three-stop bus shuttle between Hanover Street and Adderley Street will operate to ease passenger travel in and out of the city. Services at the terminus will resume by 15:00 on Sunday. Due to the road closures, the City’s Kommetjie and Simon’s Town waste drop off facilities will be closed on race day. Alternative facilities are Retreat (closes at 13:00 on Sunday) and the Coastal Park Landfill Site on Baden Powell Drive, which operates until 14:00 on Sunday.
