General
You must turn 13 during the year of the event (or 11 years when riding on a tandem with an adult).
When will the 2012 Cycle Tour be held?
On Sunday, 11 March 2012.
Online entries open 1 September every year, and will be on a first come, first served basis. To enter online, you will need a valid credit card. South African entrants can also submit a postal entry and pay by cheque or postal order. Please contact us on +27 21 681 4333 or info@cycletour.co.za to request an entry form. Please note that we do not accept EFT payments or direct deposits.
Minimum age: You must turn 13 during the year of the event (or 11 years when riding on a tandem with an adult). Anybody who can ride a bicycle and is moderately fit can participate. If you are unsure of your fitness levels or medical status, please visit your doctor first. Remember: PPA members receive a discounted entry fee and reserved starting positions, so why not join them if you are not already a member? You can join or renew your PPA membership when entering the Cycle Tour. Mail info@pedalpower.org.za for more info.
I am resident outside of South Africa. How do I enter?
International entrants can enter online from 1 September every year. Alternatively, you can download the appropriate entry form and email or fax it to us. The entry forms will be available once entries have opened. You may request an entry form by emailing info@cycletour.co.za.
How can I be seeded if I am from overseas?
Please forward details of recent cycling achievements to seeding@cycletour.co.za – we need information on events you have participated in; distance and degree of difficulty of the course; winner’s time; your time; average speed; number of participants, your position – as much information as possible. If this is not provided, you will be placed in one of the international groups leaving approximately 3/4 way down the field. You may choose to ride with slower riders in later groups without being reseeded. Your start time will be picked up from the start mats and your time will be adjusted automatically. You may not move to an earlier start group, however.
Entry Fees:
South African residents: R300
Rest of Africa: R350 (this includes Mauritius - check here for the full list of countries that apply)
International entries: R500
Corporate bonds: R500 per person (minimum of 10)
Charity bonds: R500 per person (minimum of 10)
Do I need a license to participate?
Only South African residents must have a license to take part. All South African cyclists participating in any cycling event in South Africa are required to be a member of Cycling South Africa (CSA) or an affiliate of CSA (of which PPA is one). Alternatively you will be required to buy a one-day CSA event license for the event you want to participate in. CSA licences are valid for the full calendar year of 2012.
Can I ride with somebody else's race number?
No. Any participant found to be riding with somebody else's race number may face disqualification and/or a 1-year ban.
The reason for the strict enforcement of the rules is because your personal and medical details are linked to your race number in case of an emergency.
If somebody you know can no longer participate, you may take their place by following the official substitution procedure.
What if I enter but cannot take part?
If you cannot take part, you may find another cyclist to take your place and the organisers will arrange a substitution.
Substitutions must be arranged through the Cycle Tour events office between 1 February and 24 February 2012. The original entrant will NOT be refunded his/her entry fee and his/her number will be withdrawn.
If you are making your place in the Cycle Tour available for substitution, you may ask the substitute rider to refund your entry fee but you may not ask for more than you had originally paid. Contraventions may result in the disqualification of both parties.
Merchandise orders and chip purchases are not transferable. You will need to ask someone to collect your merchandise at Registration on your behalf.
The procedure is explained on our Substitutions page.
How do I collect my merchandise that I ordered if I am no longer able to go to Registration?
You can ask someone else that is attending to collect your merchandise on your behalf.
The Pedal Power Association (or PPA) is the largest cycling organization in South Africa. It currently has some 16 000 paid-up members, spread all over the country, although the largest component is in the Western Cape, where the Association has its headquarters. The PPA is one of the beneficiaries (together with The Rotary Club of Claremont) of all proceeds generated by the Cycle Tour. As a result, they are able to co-ordinate a number of fun-rides and cycling development projects in the greater Western Cape.
How can I become a member of the Western Cape PPA?
You can join or renew your membership at www.pedalpower.org.za or when entering the Cycle Tour. Contact them at info@pedalpower.org.za or 021 689 8420.
I would like to ride together with family members and friends. How do I do this?
Once you have been notified of your preliminary seeding in January, you will be given the option to request to ride in the same group as a friend or friends.
PPA members can request to start in the same PPA group.
Open group riders can request to start in the same Open group.
PPA members and Open group riders wishing to ride together in the same group will be placed in an Open group.
Seeded riders requesting to ride together will still receive their seeding but may choose to start with other riders in a PPA, Open or lower seeded group without any reseeding. Your new group start time will be picked up from the start mats and your time will be adjusted automatically. You may NOT start in a higher/earlier group.
Helmets
Helmets are compulsory. We recommend polystyrene helmets complying with ANSI Z90/4 or SNELL standards.
Clothing
Cycling shoes, shorts and jerseys are also recommended for your safety and convenience but you can wear what you like.
Many dress up to make it a really fun day, but please take your own and other riders' safety into account when dressing up in a costume.
Please also note that it is a family event and clothing should be appropriate.
Any traditional bicycle or tandem - powered solely by you - will do, so long as it is roadworthy.
If you wish to ride an unconventional bike or a recumbent, please select the “Individual” category and then forward a photograph or drawing of your "bicycle", along with a description, to info@cycletour.co.za.
Note that no bicycle, tandem or other machine, conventional or otherwise, is permitted to have unconventional handlebars including triathlon bars, aero bars, clip-ons, prayer bars, and cow bars. Neither are Spinachi type bars permitted. However, ATB bar ends are permitted on mountain bikes.
How can I confirm the status of my entry?
If you entered online, you should have received an email confirming your entry. If you are unsure of your entry status, check your details on the RaceTec website. Alternatively, you can contact the event organisers on 021 681 4333 or info@cycletour.co.za.
If you entered by post and your cheque has been banked by us, then your entry has been accepted.
How can I ride in a seeded group?
We seed approximately 50% of the entire field. You are seeded on index which equates to your best finishing time in any one or more of the seeding events relative to the winner’s time.
The winner’s time of certain events is adjusted, taking into account the degree of difficulty of the course and quality of the field.
If you do not qualify for seeding and are a member of PPA (formerly WPPPA) you will automatically be placed in the PPA category. Similarly, non-PPA members will be placed in the Open category.
Which 2011 events will count towards your seeding for the 2012 Cycle Tour?
06 Feb: Herald VW Tour - Port Elizabeth
12 Feb: Reeds Chevrolet Ninety Niner - Durbanville
12 Feb: Dischem Ride for Sight - Boksburg
6 Mar: Daily Dispatch Felt Cycle Tour - East London
16 Jul: Mountain 2 Mountain - Tzaneen
4 Sep: Dome 2 Dome Cycling Spectacular - Johannesburg
24 Sep: Kumba Iron Ore Classic - Upington
25 Sep: Rand Water Race for Victory - Johannesburg
9 Oct: Langenhoven Cycle Tour - Oudtshoorn
16 Oct: Amashova Durban Classic - Durban
22 Oct: Bestmed Jacaranda Satellite Classic - Pelindaba
6 Nov: MTN OFM Classic - Bloemfontein
20 Nov: Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge - Johannesburg
4 Dec: Die Burger Cycle Tour - Stellenbosch
When will I be notified of my seeding/start time?
You will be notified of your preliminary seeding by 31 January. This will be sent to you by email or sms. You will then have 7 days to query your seeding, after which seeding will be finalised and you will be advised accordingly.
Where do I collect my race number?
Registration will take place at the Good Hope Centre, Sir Lowry Road, Cape Town.
Registration times are:
Thursday, 8 March: 09h30 – 19h00
Friday, 9 March: 09h00 – 19h00
Saturday,10 March: 09h00 – 16h00
How do I collect my race number if I do not receive my confirmation letter in the post?
There is a Duplicate Confirmations counter in the passage before you enter the Registration area. If you show some form of ID, you can get a copy of the confirmation letter printed out. This will give you free access into the Registration area.
What route does the Cycle Tour follow?
The following is a general description of the route. The start is in the city centre, outside the Civic Centre. You then travel along the M3 to Lakeside where you will be diverted on to Boyes Drive. You will then rejoin the Main Road at Kalk Bay after a steep descent from Boyes Drive. From there you take the coastal road to Simonstown and then go past the entrance to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. You then continue to Scarborough and on to Oceanview, missing the Kommetjie Hill. Then its Chapman’s Peak and up Suikerbossie and along the coast to Greenpoint.
A map of the route can be viewed here, and it is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the route.
Will the race still go over Boyes Drive in 2012?
Yes, as roadworks along the Muizenberg Main Road prevent us from using that stretch of road.
You must own AND wear a RaceTec timing chip for this event.
If you do not own a timing chip, you will be required to purchase one. Please call 021 681 4333 or email queries@racetec.co.za should you require more information. Old Winning Time chips are still accepted.
The most important thing to remember is to wear your chip on race day! It is much more than a timing chip; it is also a vital tool that gives us access to your personal and medical details in case of an emergency.
How long do I have to finish the Cycle Tour?
You are required to complete the course within 7 hours of your group's start time to be awarded a result and a finishing certificate.
What if I decide during the tour that I cannot continue?
There is a sweep vehicle that follows the route. Move off the course and wait for the sweep vehicle or you can stop at any of the official bale-out points.
You have 7 hours from when the last group starts the Cycle Tour to finish and receive a finishing medal. After that time the finish area will start to close down and roads will no longer be closed to traffic. The cut-off times can be found here.
What happens to me when I am in an accident?
If you are in an accident on the route, you will be seen to by our medical team. If you are able to, you can continue to the finish line or you can wait to be collected by a sweep vehicle. If you are more seriously injured you will be transported to the nearest hospital and your details will be logged with the organisers. It is therefore very important to ensure that your medical and emergency contact details are correctly updated and that you ride with your own race number.
If I am in an accident and have to go to hospital in an ambulance, what happens to my bicycle?
The medic that attends to you will radio the Operations Centre who will send a marshal to collect your bicycle. Should there be room in the ambulance, then your bicycle will be dropped off at the nearest refreshment station. In either of these instances, your bicycle will be put on to the sweep vehicle which travels along behind the last of the cyclists. Your bicycle will then be taken to the finish and given to the person in charge of the bicycle park. It is very important that you have your race number sticker on your bicycle so that your bicycle can be easily identified. You can then either collect your bicycle from the bicycle park or from the person in charge of the bicycle park should it be later in the week after the event.
Where can I find photos taken of me during the Cycle Tour?
Go to www.actionphoto.net. They also have photos from previous Cycle Tours.
Where can I find my results from previous years?
Go to www.racetec.co.za, click on “Results” and then search on your name to view your results from past Cycle Tours.
Can I order replacement certificates for previous events?
Yes, we have the certificate stationery from 1999 to date. Should you need a replacement certificate, please contact the Events Office on 021 681 4333 or email info@cycletour.co.za. There is no charge for printing of replacement certificates.
Why must I indicate my population group on the entry form?
We use these statistics to record the growth / decline of cycling participation among the various population groups in the country.
After how many Cycle Tours do I get a special race number?
Once you have completed 10 Cycle Tours, you will receive a yellow race number.
Once you have completed 21 Cycle Tours, you will receive a blue race number.
For information about Club 21 (for those having completed 21 Cycle Tours), please contact Stephen Stefano on info@club21.co.za.
What do I do if any of my past results are not showing?
If any of your old results are missing, please e-mail info@cycletour.co.za. Please provide us with as much information as possible when querying your missing result.
How do I contact the organising office?
Email: info@cycletour.co.za
Telephone: (021) 681 4333 or Fax: (021) 685 6648
How do I contact Pedal Power Association?
Email: info@pedalpower.org.za or Telephone: (021) 689-8420 or Fax: (021) 689-8490
How can I book a hospitality tent or stand at the Finish Carnival?
Contact Invent Hospitality
Email: suec@invent.co.za
Telephone: 0861 001 053 or Fax: 021 794 2998
How can I book a stand at the Life Cycle Expo?
Contact Eddy Cassar Promotions
Email: eddy@eddycassarpr.co.za
Telephone: (021) 438-2595 or Fax: (021) 438 3064
How do I place a sample in the Goody Bag?
Contact Monica Childs Marketing
Email: monica@goodiebag.co.za
Telephone: (021) 761 3355 or Fax: (021) 761 4488
