The Cape Town Cycle Tour will be staging a vastly shortened version in solidarity and support for those affected by the tragic fires burning on the mountains around Cape Town.
The route will be a 47km circular route from its normal start at the Civic Centre to the end of the M3 and back the same way to a slightly altered finish in Green Point.
“For the last four days our beautiful Southern Peninsula, that the iconic Cape Town Cycle Tour traditionally passes through, has been on fire,” said David Bellairs, a director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.
“It’s been devastating.”
He said for the Cycle Tour to be able to safely cater for the 35 000 anticipated participants, they needed to start placing infrastructure on the ground by Thursday morning.
“For this to happen, a decision on the route needs to be made today. The decision we have made is unanimous and has not been taken lightly.
“It has involved extensive discussion and collaboration by all stakeholders.
“Having carefully assessed all available information, it has become clear that the safety of cyclists cannot be guaranteed on Chapman’s Peak and this rules out using this famous landmark for the 2015 event.
“With Chapman’s Peak ruled out, our detour option of Ou Kaapse Weg returning to Cape Town via the M3 was considered.
“A number of key issues needed to be taken into account including access and egress to the South Peninsula by Emergency Services vehicles and local residents who are still under threat of fires raging in the area.”
“The unfortunate set of circumstances we face this week is unprecedented in 38 years of the Cape Town Cycle Tour.”
