Cape Town Cycle Tour Tips for International Riders: Everything You Need to Know Before Race Day
Travelling to South Africa to ride the Cape Town Cycle Tour? You’re about to experience one of the world’s most spectacular cycling events. Every March, over 30,000 cyclists from across the globe descend on Cape Town to take on a route that winds its way around one of the most beautiful peninsulas on Earth. For many riders, this is a bucket-list event. It’s not just about crossing the finish line—it’s about riding beneath Table Mountain, tackling the famous climbs of Chapman’s Peak and Suikerbossie, and soaking up the incredible atmosphere created by thousands of passionate cyclists. At Kaap Tours, we’ve spent countless hours riding these roads, and we’ve guided cyclists from around the world throughout the Western Cape. If you’re travelling to Cape Town for the race, these are our top tips to help you make the most of your trip.
One of the biggest mistakes international riders make is arriving a day or two before the event.
Long-haul flights, jet lag and travelling with a bike all take their toll. Giving yourself at least three to five days before race day allows your body to recover, adjust to the time zone and settle into the local climate.
It also gives you time to build confidence on Cape Town’s roads before lining up alongside thousands of other cyclists.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour route may look straightforward on paper, but it rides very differently in person.
If possible, ride key sections before race day.
Chapman’s Peak Drive is unlike anything most international cyclists have experienced. The road clings to the cliffs high above the Atlantic Ocean with sweeping bends and unforgettable views.
Equally important is Suikerbossie.
At around 77 kilometres into the race, this climb has ended countless personal best attempts. Riding it beforehand helps you understand where to conserve energy and where to push.
Knowing what lies ahead makes race day far less intimidating.
Cape Town’s weather is famously unpredictable.
You could start the morning wearing arm warmers before climbing in bright sunshine, only to encounter strong coastal winds later in the ride.
Pack for every possibility.
Essentials include:
Even if the forecast looks perfect, conditions can change surprisingly quickly around the peninsula.
If locals start talking about “the Cape Doctor,” they’re referring to Cape Town’s famous south-easterly wind.
When it’s blowing hard, it can completely change how the race feels.
Fortunately, the direction of the wind can also work in your favour depending on the route and the day. Whatever happens, don’t waste energy fighting the wind early in the race.
Stay relaxed, ride efficiently and save your legs for the climbs.
It’s easy to get carried away.
Thousands of excited cyclists, helicopters overhead, cheering spectators and the incredible atmosphere can tempt riders to push far harder than planned during the opening kilometres.
Remember that the toughest climbing comes much later.
Ride within yourself early on, eat regularly and keep your heart rate under control.
You’ll thank yourself when you reach Suikerbossie.
Many riders underestimate how much energy they’ll burn.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour isn’t just about climbing—it often includes wind, heat and long periods of sustained effort.
Start eating early.
Small amounts every 20–30 minutes are usually far better than waiting until you’re already hungry.
Likewise, drink consistently throughout the ride.
By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already behind.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo is worth visiting well before race day.
Collect your race number as early as possible to avoid long queues and take time to explore the latest bikes, equipment and cycling brands.
It’s also a great place to soak up the excitement before the event.
The week before the race is not the time to experiment with new equipment.
Make sure your bike has:
If you’ve travelled with your bike, inspect it carefully after the flight.
Even a minor issue can become a major problem once the race begins.
If you’ve hired a bike in Cape Town, take it for a proper ride before race day to ensure everything fits comfortably.
This might be our biggest recommendation.
Many international riders fly halfway around the world, complete the race and leave Cape Town within a day or two.
They’re missing some of the best cycling anywhere.
Once the roads reopen after the event, you can enjoy incredible routes without thousands of riders around you.
Ride Chapman’s Peak at sunrise.
Cycle to the Cape of Good Hope.
Explore the Constantia vineyards.
Discover the quiet roads around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
These rides are often every bit as memorable as the race itself.
Cape Town is much more than one cycling event.
Within a short drive you can experience:
Many cyclists tell us these rides become the highlight of their holiday.
One of the best ways to experience Cape Town before or after the Cape Town Cycle Tour is by joining one of the city’s excellent group rides.
Whether it’s the Ciovita Wednesday Ride, the East City Cycles Friday Coffee Ride, the Community Connect × Standert Ride, or one of the many local shop rides, you’ll quickly discover how welcoming Cape Town’s cycling community is.
It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet local riders, discover hidden cafés and learn about routes that don’t appear in travel guides.
If you’d like to know where to ride, read our guide to The Best Cycling Group Rides in Cape Town.
For many riders, the Cape Town Cycle Tour is the reason they first visit South Africa.
For many, it’s also the reason they keep coming back.
Cape Town offers an incredible combination of world-class road cycling, mountain biking, gravel adventures, exceptional food, award-winning wine and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying the experience, there’s no better place to combine a cycling event with an unforgettable holiday.
At Kaap Tours, we specialise in guided cycling holidays designed for international visitors. We can help you prepare for race day, guide you on the iconic roads before the event, and take you beyond the race to discover the very best cycling the Western Cape has to offer.
Whether you’re planning your first Cape Town Cycle Tour or returning for another unforgettable ride, we’d love to help you experience Cape Town like a local. Enquire about a tour.