The Cape Town Cycle Tour, the largest timed race in the world, has been hailed a success despite a windy start on Sunday.
New Zealand mountain biker Sam Gaze won the 41st edition of the Tour in a time of 02:39:42. Investec-Songo rider Cherise Willeit took the women’s title for the fourth time, in a time of 2:16:11.
A strong southeasterly wind made for highly tactical racing from early on and the mountain bikers took the fight to the more favoured road teams.
But it was the vibe on the route that attracted the most attention. Some cyclists went all out to impress, with a few even donning superhero costumes:
The #CTCycleTour2019 route would be incomplete with our superheroes 🚲😉! pic.twitter.com/253IyeeAF2
— Cape Town Cycle Tour (@CTCycleTour) March 10, 2019
There was plenty of creativity when it came to the cycling gear:
Some of the more colourful riders we spotted today @CTCycleTour coming through #houtbay this afternoon! #houtbayvibez #CTCycleTour2019 #houtandabout pic.twitter.com/NGHQz1dozr
— The Green Room Self-Catering (@greenroomhoutb1) March 10, 2019
The camaraderie and team-spirit is always high during the Cape Town Cycle Tour and this year was no exception:
Team work makes the dream work. Tag the person you cycled with today!#CTCycleTour2019 pic.twitter.com/4HbJO07s30
— Cape Town Cycle Tour (@CTCycleTour) March 10, 2019
Fan support is of course highly appreciated:
The famous Kalk Bay garage band cheering on the #CTCycleTour2019 riders. 🚲 pic.twitter.com/m5U2gMJHk6
— Cape Town Cycle Tour (@CTCycleTour) March 10, 2019
By all accounts, the organisers made the right call to let the race go ahead, despite some concern about the wind. Thankfully this was not a repeat of 2017 when the race was cancelled on the day due to extreme weather.
https://www.facebook.com/cycletour/posts/2621031414637037
Editor’s note: Smile 90.4 Fm expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the cyclist who passed away after collapsing at Smitswinkel Bay.
