Cape Town – The Cape Town Cycle Tour was cancelled on Sunday morning due to extreme weather conditions.
More than 35 000 cyclists – amateurs and professionals – were set to tackle the gruelling 109km around the Cape Peninsula on Sunday morning but howling winds have forced organisers to call off the race.
All riders who have started on the route will be stopped at the end of the M3. They will be contained there and traffic authorities will escort them back on the M3.
While there were many disappointed faces at the starting line early Sunday morning, people said they understood the decision to cancel the event.
"It's disappointing considering that this was meant to be the 40th edition of this iconic event. But it's absolutely the right decision by the Cape Town Cycle Tour organisers to cancel the race.
"Safety of participants comes first and must never be compromised," said Gasant Abarder, Independent Media Western Cape's regional executive editor, who was set to ride in his fifth race today.
All food from today's cancelled @CTCycleTour hospitality & waterpoints will be donated to #HoutBayFire victims. #CycleTour2017 pic.twitter.com/CklZN5xFaM
— Pick n Pay (@PicknPay) March 12, 2017
David Bellairs: The morning presented a number of challenges, including excessive wind speeds, a new fire in Hout Bay, and protest action.
— Cape Town Cycle Tour (@CTCycleTour) March 12, 2017
If you're angry at the organisers for cancelling the @CTCycleTour, here a bit of perspective... pic.twitter.com/BM0k4jv3zU
— Gasant Abarder (@GasantAbarder) March 12, 2017