With the raging fire that engulfed Cape Town recently and caused so much of damage and panic within the tourist industry and nearby residential areas one would expect that the Cape Cycle Tour scheduled for Sunday, March 8 would be called off, but days before the race organisers Ok’d it, albeit only a shortened version.
At a press conference on Wednesday, March 4 it was announced that the 109 km race would be shortened to 47 km.
Cycle Club Lenasia members were a bit desponded that the race may be called off were delighted with the announcement and determination once more set in for these riders.
The original route, around the scenic Cape Peninsula and destined to finish at Green Point was changed.
Lenasia top riders, Suliman Surtee finished his tenth race while Prakash Isvarlal did his 11th.
Explains Mohammed Takolia who himself had an excellent race, “CCL members made their way to Cape Town on Monday, March 2 – some by car, others flew but most were went by plane on race day as the pace would be blistering thanks to the shortened route.
The club’s seeded riders were out in the city of Cape Town by 5.15am, in time for the start time from 6.25am onwards. With fires raging across the Southern Peninsula, people were evacuated from their homes and buildings were being destroyed. It was going to be a tough call, by 6.30pm the Cape Town Cycle Tour organisers issued a press statement stating the route will be shortened for the first time in 38 years. This year it was called the “Show You Care Solidarity Ride” 47km circular route.
The feeling within CCL was depressing as many riders were upset as all their training efforts were wasted. All that changed on arrival in Cape Town.
It’s wasn’t just about the race. The Expo at Good Hope Centre, where race numbers were being collected and all the exhibitors showcasing their latest in cycling was an alternate attraction for cyclists, as Chapman’s Peak was closed off due to the fires.
There were training rides through the city up to Sea Point, Camps Bay and towards Hout Bay providing an excellent route that is unmatched in the world. The atmosphere at coffee shops in Camps Bay was awesome. There was nothing like a ride in the morning and then having breakfast and the scrumptious dinner at Bokaap Kombuis, was a treat for CCL members ahead of the race.
Times recorded for the race by CCL ranged from 1:13 to 1:45 with novices recording 2:25.
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