(Sunday 13th March 2011)

The Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour is the largest timed sporting event in the world. Attracting in excess of 40,000 cyclists from around the globe each year, this prestigious event is definitely a unique experience for participants and spectators alike.

The city centre start is only a few hundred metres from our hotel

Based in Cape Town, the Cycle Tour represents 109km of some of the most scenic spots in the world. The ride in the main follows the coastline around the Cape Peninsular , with closed roads. Starting in the City Centre the route makes its way around Table Mountain along the Blue Route leading into Simonstown then turning at Smitswinkel and heading back along the coastline before the signature climb up Chapmans Peak and finally the short, steep hill of Suikerbossie. The downhill run through Camps Bay gives you a chance to recover before the “sprint “ into the finish at Green Point.
There are approximately 18 refreshment stations and 6 medical points along the route. A team of at least 2500 volunteers from a variety of organisations ensures that all operations run smoothly and efficiently on the day. A carnival incorporating hospitality tents, entertainment and guaranteed fun awaits the cyclists, their families and friends at Greenpoint Stadium.

The Spectacular Oceanside Chapmans Peak Climb

The ride is relatively easy compared to most British cyclosportives, the climbs are short with no more than a 7% gradient and you would not necessarily need a compact or triple chainset. Unlike British events you are actively encouraged to go for a fast time – if that’s what you want, otherwise just enjoy the spectacular scenery and the superb atmosphere which is unlike any other cycling event.

The "tablecloth" on Table Mountain

Cape Town is one of the most iconic cities in the world, safety is not an issue and no worse than many other cities in the world. Exchange rates are very favourable and eating out is very reasonable, with some of the best food you will ever eat on offer – the wine is also of the highest quality. Table Mountain, Robben Island, The V&A Waterfront and Cape Point are local tourist destinations not to be missed, all available as options you can add to your tour.
The weather in March is very pleasant, usually sunny with temperatures in the mid twenties, however the wind can play a part in your effort to gain a respectable finishing time. Registration for the event is held in the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town for the four days leading up to the ride, in itself it rates as one of the largest cycling exhibitions in the world. Get your pre ride massage here and consider buying some of the locally produced cycle clothing which is of the highest quality and very reasonably priced.

Your host in Cape Town will be Dragon Ride organiser Lou Lusardi. Lou covered the event for Cycling Weekly last year and is ably supported by local Cycletour veteran and travel expert Elaine. Your Cycletour entry will be arranged by us and we will also assist you in the seeding process to obtain the best starting place (if applicable). We will be available at breakfast on each day of your stay to provide advice on your vist and helpful tips in getting the most out of your Cycletour experience. The Dragon Ride, organised by Breakaway Cycling is an associate event to the Cape Cycletour and as such we are in close personal contact with the organisers of the South African event

The 12 Apostles at Camps Bay, on the Cycletour route

Itinerary:
Wednesday 9th March. Depart from the UK. Non stop flights fly through the night and generally take 10 - 12 hours, arriving early morning.

Thursday 10th March. Arrive at Cape Town airport, you will be met at the airport by our representatives. You and your bike box/bag will be transported on the short journey from the airport to Cape Town City Centre. Our 4 star boutique hotel is situated within a mile of the start and finish of the Cycletour. The Good Hope Centre is nearby and we can visit the expo and register during the morning then assemble our bikes. The rest of the day is free for you to take in the wonders of Cape Town or simply chill out on the pavement cafe/bar at the hotel whilst taking in the stunning views of Table Mountain.

Friday 11th March. Following breakfast we don our spare cycling kit and check out the bikes on a short leisurly ride along the coast to Camps Bay, returning along the Cycletour run in to the finishing area at Greenpoint. Take the rest of the day to do some sigtseeing or perhaps take afternoon tea at the famous Mount Nelson hotel. (We can offer several escorted optional excursions at reasonable rates, these include Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point and also a minibus tour of the Cycletour route).

Saturday 12th March. Free to relax or do some further gentile sightseeing. The Hotel offers a Cycletour specific "carbo loading " evening meal.

Sunday 13th March Breakfast at the hotel is from 6 am and is tailored to the cyclists needs. We can easily ride to the start area from the hotel before joining your alloted start group. On your completion of the event we will meet up at a pre-arranged spot in the finish village before riding the short distance back to the hotel. There is ample time for you to freshen up and relax after the ride and still have time to get yourself a superb celebratory meal at the hotel or the nearby V&A Waterfront.

Monday 14th March. We pack up our bikes after breakfast. Many flights depart in the early evening so there is still time to spend a few hours in Cape Town before our transfer to the airport.

Tuesday 15th March.Arrive back in the UK


Cost: £549 per person, (single room supplement £125)

Includes: accommodation for 4 nights B&B, (2 sharing twin room).
Airport transfers.
Cycletour entry.
Timing transponder
Services of our experienced representatives.

Not included: flights (domestic or international).
Insurance (compulsory).
Lunch,Evening Meals and drinks.
Supplement for single rooms or mountain view.
Additional local excursions.

Click the link below to download a booking form and our conditions of booking.

BCH booking form .doc

Call 07799 897996 to reserve your place.






Useful flight information

Direct flights are the most comfortable and speedy way of getting to Cape Town. Many flights depart from London in the early evening and arrive in Cape Town first thing in the morning. If you are able to sleep on the plane you will arrive reasonably fresh, another big advantage is that South Africa is the same time zone as central Europe – so no jet lag!

The main carriers are British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, South African and Emirates. Prices are fairly similar between them all.

Considerable savings on flight tickets can be made if you buy from budget shops or when the airlines have a flight sale.

Baggage allowance varies between each of the carriers. As of August 2008 the details were as follows:

BA – Bikes packed in a bag or box are free up to 23kg, this is in addition to your check in allowance. 2 items of cabin luggage are allowed.

Virgin – as BA except that only one item of cabin luggage is allowed.

SAA – Bikes are free but are considered as part of your 20kg check in allowance. 1 item of cabin luggage allowed.

The above is for guidance only; you are advised to check with the airline when you book your flight.


*Available until November 30th 2010.