Thousands of cyclists took to the streets of Cape Town yesterday, Sunday March 9, for the 47th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, the largest timed cycling event in the world.
The 109km route started at The Grand Parade in the city centre.
The route, famed for its breathtaking scenery, took riders on a journey through the heart of the Cape Peninsula. From the bustling start line in Cape Town, cyclists weaved their way through picturesque far south locations such as St James, Kalk Bay, Simon's Town, and Noordhoek providing mountain and sea views.
The far south was a hive of activity with live music and spectators lining the streets.
Locals and visitors waiting outside the British Hotel in Simon's Town for cyclists to make their way through the main road.
Image: Keith Mellor - Dream Images Photography
The history of the Cape Town Cycle Tour dates back to 1978, when it began as a protest ride calling for safer cycling paths in Cape Town.
According to the Cape Town Cycle Tour website, the race was originally named The Big Ride In. The race and the event was organised by Bill Mylrea and John Stegmann, who aimed to raise awareness of the need for better cycling infrastructure.
Despite initial resistance from the government, the event evolved into a mass-participation ride, attracting 500 cyclists for its inaugural edition.
Over the years, the route has been adapted several times, including a shift from an early plan, to pass through the Cape Point Nature Reserve to the route used today.
The event also became a beacon for inclusivity, breaking barriers by allowing cyclists of all races to participate during apartheid — long before many other major events took similar steps.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour was also groundbreaking in that it was the first event to allow both amateur and professional cyclists to compete on the same course, setting the tone for the future of mass cycling events. Today, the tour attracts around 30 000 riders annually from all corners of the globe.
Winner of the Men's Elite Race during the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour, Tyler Lange, fourth from the front (in blue), making his way through Simon's Town.
Image: Keith Mellor - Dream Images Photography
Cyclist participating in Sunday's Cape Town Cycle Tour making their way through Kalk Bay.
Image: Rachel Moore
Supporters outside a Kalk Bay restaurant during the annual Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday.
Image: Rachel Moore