Cycle Tour pedals over R500 million boost into Cape Town economy
More than 30 000 cyclists are set to participate in the 48th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday.
Image: Tobias Ginsberg
The iconic Cape Town Cycle Tour has proven to be a major economic catalyst for the Western Cape injecting more than R500 million into the local economy.
The world's largest individually timed race, which draws cyclists from across the globe, attracted an estimated 15 000 visitors last year. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) experienced a notable boost in sales, the tourism and hospitality industries also saw particular gains, with hotels, restaurants, and transport operators all benefiting from the influx of participants and spectators.
As more than 30 000 cyclists line up on Sunday, 8 March, event organisers and partners have highlighted the race’s importance not only for tourism but as a crucial contributor to job creation and economic growth for the province.
The event creates both temporary and permanent employment opportunities, with last year’s edition producing 3 280 jobs across hospitality, tourism, and event management. Cliff Mayinga, Provincial Head for Coverage Business Banking at Standard Bank, said the Cycle Tour is a key opportunity for businesses.
“The Cape Town Cycle Tour is a game-changer for local businesses. It brings an influx of customers in a short window, so being prepared, especially with efficient payments and customer engagement strategies, can make all the difference.”
Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander said the Cycle Tour highlight the powerful role that sport can play in driving tourism and economic activity. "The Cycle Tour is one of the events that brings significant tourism value to the region each year, drawing thousands of riders and supporters who travel to the province and support hotels, restaurants and a wide range of local businesses."
"Beyond the event itself, it creates an important opportunity to encourage visitors to explore more of the Western Cape. By showcasing the province’s landscapes, culture and hospitality, events like the Cycle Tour help promote travel beyond the host city and support tourism across different districts," Stander said.
JP Smith said the event’s contribution to the city’s economy and its global image has been significant over the decades.
“The Cape Town Cycle Tour is one of the Mother City’s long-standing jewel events, and its impact on our city’s economy and destination marketing over the last five decades cannot be overstated. Its growth during this period has coincided with a rising interest in outdoor sports, an increase in the number of people taking up cycling in our city, and a growing sense of community around fitness and well-being.”
James Vos, mayco member for economic growth, added that the Cycle Tour complements year-round initiatives to grow the visitor economy.
“These kinds of events also build on the work we’re doing year-round to grow the visitor economy. Through our place marketing campaigns we are driving forward bookings and keeping Cape Town top of mind in key global markets, while our Air Access programme has helped land around 230 international flights in Cape Town every week, bringing more visitors, more connectivity and more opportunity for local businesses.
“Beyond the excitement on the route, the Cycle Tour delivers real economic impact across our tourism value chain. Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, tour guides, transport operators and small businesses all benefit from the influx of visitors who come to take part in and experience this iconic event.
“It’s a powerful reminder of how events tourism supports jobs, strengthens local enterprises and showcases Cape Town’s natural beauty to the world.”
Beyond the economic impact, the 48th edition of the race promises thrilling competition in both the men’s and women’s elite fields.
The elite women’s race features a powerful line-up, with Tiffany Keep the only previous champion on the start list. Newly crowned South African road champion Tyler Jacobs is widely regarded as the rider to beat thanks to a devastating sprint finish honed during mountain bike short-course racing in 2025. Her speed at the line could challenge experienced riders such as Vera Looser and Hayley Preen.
The presence of riders such as Candice Lill and reigning mountain bike marathon world champion Kate Courtney suggests the race could be aggressively contested from early on. Meanwhile, Lisa Bone and her Cycle Nation Enza Construction team could attempt to keep the peloton together, particularly given Bone’s strong form after finishing second to Jacobs in the national road race.
With a near-perfect weather forecast, cool mornings warming to around 27°C with a light southeasterly breeze, riders may push the pace in a bid to challenge the course record of 2 hours, 5 minutes and 18 seconds set by Pia Grünewald.
The men’s race is also expected to be fiercely contested, with defending champion Tyler Lange facing stiff competition from former winners including Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, Marc Pritzen, Chris Jooste, and Kent Main. Other contenders include Ryan Gibbons, Felix Stehli, Jaedon Terlouw, Luke Moir, Travis Stedman, Sascha Webber, and Alex Miller.
The men will tackle the traditional 109-kilometre route, starting alongside the Castle of Good Hope in central Cape Town and finishing on Helen Suzman Boulevard in Green Point. The elite women will race 78 kilometres from Fish Hoek, with both races getting underway at 06:20. Women are expected to finish roughly 15 minutes before the men at around 08:30.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour has also received a major international boost after being officially recognised as a qualifying event for the UCI Gran Fondo World Series.
Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape, welcomed the announcement.
“This is going to be great for Cape Town, the Western Cape, and all of us here in South Africa. The Cape Town Cycle Tour has always been a proud showcase of our province’s spirit, and this international recognition will only strengthen our reputation as a world-class sporting destination.”
Bruce Parker-Forsyth, CEO of Golazo South Africa, said the partnership will help expand the race’s international reach.
“We are honoured to partner with the Cape Town Cycle Tour to further enhance this iconic event and share its unique spirit with a global audience. Together, we aim to elevate the experience for every rider while showcasing the remarkable beauty and energy of Cape Town to cyclists around the world.”
David Bellairs, CEO of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, added that the event has always been about more than competition.
“The Cape Town Cycle Tour is more than just a timed race; it is a celebration of health, community, and the sheer joy of cycling, all on fully closed roads. Every year we see new riders join, seasoned cyclists return, and international visitors marvel at the route’s beauty. 2026 will be no different, it promises to be another unforgettable edition of this truly iconic event.”