Tour d’Afrique Hits Southern Africa

Quietly but steadily, since Jan 14, they’ve been making their way down from Cairo, going one-by-one, two-by-two, sometimes even three or four abreast – depending on how zanily the locals are driving – pushing themselves to the rank limits, in what has to be one of the greatest cycle races ever staged. Cairo to the Cape; 12,000 kms; magnifique!

And finally, the Tour d’Afrique is within sight of its finish line. The pelleton of hardy riders has reached southern Africa at last, and is shortly to embark on its seventh leg – 18 April, the “Khoisan Challenge”, first from Victoria Falls, Zambia to Windhoek, Namibia, and then a push home for Cape Town. Doubtless some of the riders will have used up all of their allotment of lives by the time they reach our friendly city!

• The best part about this stage of the Tour d’Afrique is – you can join it! Click here for more information on how to become part of the epic ride.

Further Tour d’Afrique notes:

• The tour is a timed cycle race. The pace is fast, and each racer contests every day of the tour’s 99 stages. Good heavens.
• Entry fees are in aid of the Tour d’Afrique Foundation, “a charity organization aimed at raising funds to promote human-powered transportation and protection of the environment in Africa.”
• The best Tour d’Afrique blog is Judy Rigby’s: to read about the race, and her place in it, click here.

SA Blog wishes all riders good luck as they turn their cycles toward Cape Town!