Cape Argus Cycle Race

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The Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour is hosted in Cape Town, South Africa and boasts the record for the world's largest individually timed cycle race and is the first event outside Europe to be included in the International Cycling Union's Golden Bike Series. It sees some 40,000 cyclists tackling a 109 km route around Cape Town.It is a beautiful scenic route with a few tough hills but generally not a difficult ride.

The winner of The Cape Argus 2008 is Robbie Hunter, he completed the cycle race in a time of 2hours and 27mins.

It is traditionally staged on the second Sunday of March and has enjoyed well known competitors such as Miguel Indurain and Jan Ulrich.

[edit] History of the Cycle Tour

In 1978, Bill Myrlea and John Stegmann organised the Big Ride-In to draw attention to the need for cycle paths in South Africa. The Ride-In drew hundreds of cyclists, including the Mayor of Cape Town at the time.

This event grew to become the Peninsula Marathon but before the first official race, the name was changed to accommodate local newspaper sponsor, the Cape Argus.

The event now forms part of one of five cycling events which take place over a period of one week starting a week before the Cycle Tour and culminating in the Cycle Tour. The other events include:

Tricycle Tour (kids under 6 years of age)
Junior Cycle Tour (kids between 6 and 12 years of age)
MTB Challenge (Mountain Bike)
Giro del Capo (5 day pro stage race)

South Africa is also home of the world's largest ultramarathon event, the Comrades Marathon, as well as the world's largest open water swim, the Midmar Mile.