Cape Town, South Africa, is a haven for cycling enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of cycling races catering to spectators and participants. With its stunning landscapes, varied terrains, and a vibrant cycling community, the city provides an exciting calendar of events throughout the year. Whether you’re an avid cyclist looking to challenge yourself or a fan eager to watch the action, Cape Town’s cycling tours promise an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore our top ten cycling races in and around Cape Town, each offering unique routes, breathtaking scenery, and thrilling competition, as well as on-road and off-road routes. From the renowned Absa Cape Epic to the scenic Cape Town Cycle Tour, get ready to discover the best cycling events that Cape Town has to offer.
Absa Cape Epic
Known as the “Tour de France of mountain biking,” the Absa Cape Epic is an eight-day stage race that attracts elite cyclists from around the world. The race covers approximately 700 kilometers of rugged terrain, with thousands of meters of climbing through the Western Cape’s scenic mountain ranges.
Route: Starting in Table Mountain National Park, the race meanders through challenging passes, vineyards, and wilderness areas, finishing in Paarl.
URL: Absa Cape Epic
Month: March
Entry Fee: Approx. R90,000 per team
Cape Town Cycle Tour (formerly known as the Cape Argus Cycle Tour)
This is one of the most iconic road cycling races in the world, attracting over 35,000 participants annually. The Cape Town Cycle Tour is the largest timed cycling event globally, offering stunning views of Cape Town’s coastline as it loops around the Cape Peninsula.
Route: Starting in the city center, cyclists head south along the M3, hugging the coast as they traverse scenic locations like Chapman’s Peak and Suikerbossie before finishing in Green Point.
URL: Cape Town Cycle Tour
Month: March
Entry Fee: Approx. R600
Wines2Whales
This three-day mountain biking race is a firm favorite for those who love combining cycling with wine. Wines2Whales offers riders the chance to explore vineyards, valleys, and coastlines between Somerset West and Hermanus.
Route: The race begins in the Winelands of Lourensford Estate and ends at the coastal town of Hermanus. Cyclists will ride through pristine forests, farmlands, and single-track trails.
URL: Wines2Whales
Month: November
Entry Fee: Approx. R25,000 per team
Coronation Double Century
Description: A one-day road race covering 202 kilometers, this event tests the endurance of teams of cyclists. The Coronation Double Century encourages teamwork and perseverance as only teams of six to twelve riders can participate.
Route: Starting and finishing in Swellendam, this route winds through beautiful farmlands and small towns such as Ashton and Montagu, with plenty of rolling hills along the way.
URL: Coronation Double Century
Month: November
Entry Fee: Approx. R12,600 per team
Ride2Nowhere
Description: Held in the quaint town of McGregor, this three-day mountain biking race takes you through some of the lesser-known but incredibly scenic areas of the Western Cape. Ride2Nowhere is perfect for riders looking for a low-pressure, enjoyable experience.
Route: The race explores gravel roads, jeep tracks, and mountain passes around McGregor, offering a mix of technical and fast-flowing trails.
URL: Ride2Nowhere
Month: September
Entry Fee: Approx. R6,500
Darling Brew Extreme
Description: This race offers cyclists the chance to explore the beautiful West Coast. Darling Brew Extreme is a one-day mountain biking event with a range of distances, catering to both novices and experienced riders.
Route: Starting in the small town of Darling, riders explore the local farmlands and hills before finishing at the Darling Brew Tasteroom for some well-deserved refreshments.
URL: Darling Brew Extreme
Month: May
Entry Fee: Approx. R400 – R850 depending on the distance
Cape Pioneer Trek
Description: This seven-day mountain biking stage race takes cyclists through the diverse landscapes of the Karoo and Garden Route. It’s a race filled with challenging climbs, river crossings, and stunning views, attracting both pros and amateurs.
Route: The course starts in Mossel Bay and finishes in Oudtshoorn, passing through areas like the Outeniqua Mountains and Klein Karoo.
URL: Cape Pioneer Trek
Month: October
Entry Fee: Approx. R32,000 per team
Trans Baviaans
Description: Known as the longest single-stage mountain bike race in the world, the Trans Baviaans covers 230 kilometers through the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve. This race is known for its tough endurance challenge and stunning scenery.
Route: Starting in Willowmore and ending in Jeffrey’s Bay, the route takes cyclists through mountain ranges, valleys, and rivers, often under the night sky.
URL: Trans Baviaans
Month: August
Entry Fee: Approx. R8,500 per team
Tankwa Trek
Description: A demanding four-day stage race, the Tankwa Trek is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery. Riders traverse through the Bokkeveld and Ceres Mountains, experiencing diverse landscapes.
Route: The route takes participants across dusty plains, rocky climbs, and lush valleys around the Ceres region.
URL: Tankwa Trek
Month: February
Entry Fee: Approx. R22,000 per team
Gravel & Grape
Description: Gravel & Grape is a three-day stage race through the Breedekloof Wine Valley. The race offers cyclists a taste of mountain biking in one of the Western Cape’s premier wine-producing regions.
Route: The course winds through vineyards, mountain passes, and orchards, with each day offering a mix of fast, flat sections and technical climbs.
URL: Gravel & Grape
Month: April
Entry Fee: Approx. R7,500 per team
Cape Town is a cyclist’s paradise, with races running year-round that cater to different skill levels, from amateur enthusiasts to seasoned professionals. Whether you’re watching the riders pedal past or getting in on the action, these cycling events offer the perfect way to experience the stunning diversity of South Africa’s landscapes. So, grab your bike or your camera and explore these ten must-see races!
