The 47th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour will take place on Sunday, 9 March 2025 and is expected to attract tens of thousands of enthusiastic cyclists.
This year’s participants had a choice to ride the 109km classic route, the 42km route or the newly introduced Prelude Challenge.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is renowned for its world-class event organisation, fully closed roads, enthusiastic spectator support and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re taking on the 109km challenge, the 42km ride or joining the Prelude Challenge, it’s an event not to be missed – or competitor or spectator alike.
Nearly 30 000 cyclists are expected to take to the streets of the Mother City this coming weekend.
With that many bikes on the roads, highways across much of the city will come to a standstill for motorists.
In parts of the city and Atlantic seaboard, where the start and finish lines and rider chutes will be set up, the roads will be off-limits to cars from as early as Saturday.
The full list of road closures – from as early as Thursday this week – can be found below.
The most important road closures to look out for are:
Saturday, 8 March
- CBD: the streets surrounding the Grand Parade (including Castle, Darling, Caledon, and Strand) are closed from Saturday afternoon until Sunday lunchtime
- Green Point: Helen Suzman Boulevard from Beach Road to the traffic circle (towards the city) closed from Saturday at 14:00 until Sunday night
- Chapmans Peak Drive: closed to all traffic from Saturday at 18:00 until Sunday at 18:00
Sunday, 9 March
- CBD: extensive closures in the centre affecting Loop, Long, Somerset, Darling, Adderley and Lower Plein streets, from 04:00 to 16:00.
- M3 (Blue Route): lanes closed in both directions from the city to the Muizenberg off-ramp, varying between 05:30 to 15:00. The freeway will be reopened in both directions by 15:00.
- Main Road, False Bay: road closure in parts from 05:45 until as late as 14:00
- Cape Point – Kommetjie-Noordhoek: M6/M65 closed in parts from 06:45 to 14:00
- Chapmans Peak Drive will be closed to all traffic from Saturday at 18:00 until Sunday at 18:00
- Victoria Road (M6), Hout Bay/Camps Bay: closure in parts from 07:00 to as late as 18:00 (towards Bantry Bay)
‘The Cape Town Cycle Tour is a celebration of cycling and a tribute to Cape Town’s natural beauty,’ says David Bellairs of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.
‘Join us in 2025 for an unforgettable experience, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a first-time participant or just there for the scenery and snacks.’
Cape Town Cycle Tour Prelude Challenge
In line with its commitment to remain inclusive and community-oriented, the Cape Town Cycle Tour has introduced the Prelude Challenge.
For the first time, the Cape Town Cycle Tour Prelude Challenge offers cyclists worldwide the chance to earn a 2025 Cycle Tour medal and official finisher’s credit even if they can’t ride on Race Day.
Running from Saturday, 22 February to Sunday, 2 March 2025, participants can complete the 109km route anywhere in the world, provided they cycle the full distance within seven hours and upload their results to STRAVA.
‘We are incredibly excited to offer our loyal base of participants an alternative for 2025 and future events. Although we continue to welcome international friends for the race, we know that travelling to South Africa isn’t always feasible,’ shared Bellairs.
‘The Prelude Challenge now provides the perfect opportunity for cyclists to continue their journey and add to their finish numbers, no matter where they are. Whether it’s on a stationary bike, a route of your choice or even in laps around your neighbourhood – just ride the 109km and upload it to STRAVA!’
109km – The Classic Challenge
The 109km route remains one of the most scenic cycling experiences in the world. Cyclists will pedal through Cape Town’s southern suburbs, the False Bay coastline and past Simon’s Town’s penguins.
After reaching the Cape Point Nature Reserve, they’ll make their way through Scarborough and Misty Cliffs, getting their first views of the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive.
The route’s final challenge, the Suikerbossie climb, leads to a descent through Camps Bay and Clifton, with the race finishing in Green Point.
42km – Half the distance, all the fun
The 42km route, launched in 2023, provides an accessible option for cyclists who may not yet be ready for the full 109km challenge but still want to enjoy the vibrant festival atmosphere.
Riders will cycle along the vineyards of Constantia and the cool Newlands Forest, benefitting from fully closed roads, refreshment stops and great crowd support. It’s a perfect introduction to the Cape Town Cycle Tour experience.
Are you planning on riding this year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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