Cape Argus Cycle Tour
It’s time to reflect on the past.
Well it’s been just over a year since I attempted my second run The Cape Argus Cycle Tour. The ‘07 run at the flag was a bit different from my first go in ’05. The key differences were I had three mates heading over with me and on race day the Gail force winds known as "The Cape Doctor" did not blow until the late afternoon on race day.
The Cape Argus Cycle Tour is the largest timed cycle race in the world, well that’s what the marketing tells us, I’m not one to go against the proper-gander. Plus it’s a good quick ride around a great course. Here a hint, drive the race course first, that way when race day come around you don’t find yourself looking at the landscape and not focusing on why you are there. Too pedal!
The pressure was on… I had to achieve a time on the 109km course that would not have any of my mates eclipsing my time on the day. In no time at all the Tour Itinerary was put together, research had been completed and the next thing I knew I was an "International Tour Guide" (the poor bugger, if only they knew I hadn’t a clue).
To have ones friends travel to the country of your birth and technically take you on, on what was once your home soil adds to the level of “I Must achieve a good time aspect”. Training would be the key to me “Saving Face”. Now I had to train to “A:” improve my first attempts time and “B:” somehow not be beaten by my mates. The challenge lay ahead.
The team or cycling junkies soon signed up, although a last minute “I’m coming” had things rushed to have all team shirts, bags, bottles and tour packs completed. The groups was small but just enough to see that we had our own space when required. Check out the Tour Updates Page, it’s good to reflect back on good time.
In the end I managed to hold off the mates and sneak in a best time of the traveling crew on the day, taking out non other than Jan Ullrich (less his usual training aids I’m tipping) and Greg Lemond, then making the well photoshoped cover of "World Cycling"
Generally it’s a must do event as cyclists from around the world flock to ride this yearly race. It’s a must do in my book.
The Positives.
Cape Town, South Africa is a scenic part of the world. Sitting at sea level, with mountains to ride and Cape Dutch style winerys with some average and some great wines to drink in. It’s a laid back location for a with countless “look at that moments” and you’ll be sure to have the camera snapping.
The Cape Dutch Style Winery
Race Day:
The atmosphere is all around you, from the time you arrive in the city on race day, the entire city has bicycle fever. You roll into you start pen, yes people they put you in a pen. There are 35000+ riders on race day so the only way to start this number is in groups. The music is pumping and from the start to the end (well almost) the streets are lined spectators cheering you on. Cape Town is an awesome place to visit, and around Argus time it really is all go. The Waterfront is full of cyclist having drinks (not so serious types that is) and there are countless places to visit. The restaurant are fantastic, well the ones we went to where great.
The Negatives: (with good there could be some bad)
If you are an international entry with no qualifying time the race organisers to take into consideration you’ll be sent to the back, well near enough to the back. The down side to this is that there are thousands of slow riders and you find yourself getting nowhere fast. As far as South Africa goes it is and it isn’t a safe place. Please look after you’re belonging and don’t go into dodgy looking area. Have a chat to your hotel staff and they’ll keep you on the right track. You’ll have a ball.