Here follows the route description and some tips for the 2017 Cape Town Cycle Tour which takes place on March 12.
Start
In a bunch of thousands, it’s tempting to get caught up in all the excitement, but there is still roughly 109km to be navigated and 1 220m of elevation to be conquered.
Hospital Bend
A quick start is guaranteed as thousands of enthusiastic riders will start with a full tank. Don’t get caught up in the excitement though, be aware.
Anything can happen when fresh legged riders reach speeds as high as 70km/h. It’s advisable to try and stick to the two right hand lanes as further on you lose the left hand lanes.
Edinburgh Drive
Coming in to the Edinburgh Drive riders can expect a tricky right hand turn here which many will take at a high speed. In order to avoid crashing, it is advisable to try and position yourself at the front quarter of your bunch.
You’ll then face the first and steepest gradient of the tour. Once through this section you can afford to breath a bit, knowing the next big climb is only at Smitswinkel.
Simon’s Town
Should the wind be blowing, you can expect it to lessen slightly here as you enter Simon’s Town. This is an ideal place to take a break as your legs be feeling heavy.
Here you will be greeted by cheering crowds and the refreshment spot in Jubilee Square. However, be warned, a steep hill is waiting to welcome you as you hit the road again.
Smitswinkel
After the long approach to Smitswinkel a demanding 4km-long ascent will try your legs. It won’t be the first trying part of the race but it might be the hardest climb since starting.
Once you’ve reached the top you can congratulate yourself – you’ve conquered the last hill of the first half of the race. From here you can enjoy a speedy section as you pass Cape Point Nature reserve.
Misty Cliffs
A windy lead up to this area will require all your focus. Once here, make sure not to lose this concentration as the road surface is known to be slippery.
Chapman’s Peak
Before you start take a moment to prepare yourself for the climb ahead. This 9km section includes a grand total of 114 curves. Don’t rush into the climb, there is still plenty of hill to go.
While you’ll probably be channelling all your energy to your legs, spare some of your attention for the road – don’t get caught out by one of the many cat’s-eyes along this stretch.
Once you’ve broken the back of this monstrous climb, be aware of the tricky corners and unpredictable road surfaces which have bought down many a tired riders.
Hout Bay
Another climb awaits as you make your way up through the centre of Hout Bay. It’s short and sharp and marks the start of the fan zone, so keep an eye open for obstacles in the form of children and dogs.
Suikerbossie
Although it isn’t the toughest climb, a 2km ascent will test you. Here you may start to feel the excitement of the fans as you near the finish.
Don’t rush the climb, it’s long and you’ve already accomplished a great deal. Take comfort in the knowledge that it’s almost all downhill from here.
Camps Bay
The final hill is a tough one, but mercifully sweet. The road narrows here so make sure you’ve got your wits about you.
From here you’ll want to keep up with the front of the bunch as the road features a number of tricky twists and turns.
Finish
From camps bay you have less than 10km left. The home stretch is flat – give it your all, but don’t lose focus.
Once through the finish line, use your momentum to keep pedalling until you collect your medal. You’ve made it!
The 2017 route which covers roughly 109km will present thousands of riders with a number of challenges.
