Cape Town Cycle Tour director David Bellairs today confirmed that one of the race’s Rotary marshals died in hospital late yesterday.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear,” Bellairs said. “We are currently investigating the incident in conjunction with the South African Police Service.”
One of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Rotary marshals died following the race yesterday, which takes the 2018 event’s death count to three. Photo: Kevin Sawyer
The marshal was stationed on an S-bend after the Llundudno turnoff, Bellairs said.
“Our Rotary marshals have always been integral to the successful running of the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
“Most of them work alongside us year after year in a voluntary capacity. They are part of the Cycle Tour family, as are our riders, and we are deeply saddened by this news.
“We will communicate further information when we have it, if appropriate.”
After one cyclist succumbed to injuries suffered in a pileup with other cyclists and another suffered a heart attack during yesterday’s race, Bellairs said all measures would be taken to ensure participants’ and marshalls’ safety on the route.
“Three families are in mourning for the three lives lost on the route this year,” he said. “In my 28 years working on the Cycle Tour there have been only two trauma-related deaths on the day of Cycle Tour.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families at this very sad time.”
