Safety First and Fun in the Sun at Argus Cycle Tour | Western Cape Government

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Safety First and Fun in the Sun at Argus Cycle Tour

12 March 2013

Thousands of spectators lined the streets to cheer for the 30 000 cyclists participating the 36th annual Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour on Sunday, 10 March 2013. The 110km race across the Cape Peninsula is regarded to be the world’s largest individually timed cycling event. Proceeds go to charity. Gauteng-based Herman Fouche won the men’s race and Port Elizabeth-based Anriette Schoeman was the first woman across the finish line.

After starting at the Cape Town Civic Centre, cyclists went on to the N2, down the M3 along the False Bay Coast, past the entrance to the Cape Point nature reserve, along the Atlantic coast, over Suikerbossie Hill and on to finish at the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point.

Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer praised the cycle race for what it had done over the years to promote sport tourism and to market the Western Cape. “Sport and cultural tourism can contribute significantly to job creation and poverty alleviation while at the same time promoting the province”, he said.

Dr Meyer added that the cycle tour offered a platform, through the Nedbank Sport Trust Development Cycling Programme, for developing cyclists to showcase their potential. “The race plays a significant role in promoting recreational cycling, both as a healthy lifestyle option, and as a means to promote, protect and preserve our environment.”

A key feature of this year’s race was a renewed focus on road safety. Dr Meyer encouraged all cyclists to promote safe cycling by being courteous and always obeying the rules of the road.

Media Enquiries: 

Henry Paulse
Directorate: Sport and Recreation
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9626
E-mail: Henry.Paulse@westerncape.gov.za

Or

Tania Colyn
Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za