The Cape Argus was renamed the Cape Town Cycle Tour in Cape Town this evening.
In recognition of the tour’s global status, its owners – the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust (CTCTT) – introduced the name change and logo in association with its co-naming sponsors (Cape Argus, Pick n Pay and Momentum).
“The Cape Town Cycle Tour is Africa’s premier cycling event,” said Steve Hayward, Chairman of the CTCTT.
“It has grown from humble beginnings to the worlds’ largest timed cycle race. The event has enjoyed a remarkable journey over the past 37 years, and the new name and logo revealed tonight is testament to our coming of age.”
Bill Mylrea and John Stegmann are credited with being the visionaries behind the first Cycle Tour.
The inaugural event took place in 1978 and inspired the idea for a longer ride around the peninsula.
Only 525 riders participated in the first race. Today, 35 000 local and international cyclists are drawn to Cape Town on the second Sunday in March each year to tackle the spectacular 109km route.
The event has been affectionately known as “The Argus” since its inception.
