This post was written in collaboration with Natalie Stacey, founder of South Side Cycles.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is one of the most incredible ways to experience Cape Town. It doesn’t matter if you’re racing with the symbol batches or taking part in your very first big cycling event and want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Cape Peninsula without cars in your way; the Cape Town Cycle Tour should be a regular on your cycling calendar.
We’re going to break down what you need to know about the race, the gear that will make your day more comfortable, and how to manage the costs of getting started with Float.
When is the Cape Town Cycle Tour?
The next race is set for Sunday, 8 March 2026.
For many, this event is more of a festival than a race. With thousands of spectators lining the roads to cheer you on, the atmosphere is electric. It doesn’t matter if you’re right at the start suffering up Edinburgh Drive or taking in the scenes once you hit the False Bay coastline, the support is incredible the entire way.
Choosing Your Distance
There are two main ways to experience the day. The traditional route covers 109km, circling the entire peninsula. It is a long day out with some significant hills like Chapman’s Peak and Suikerbossie, but it is one of the most beautiful rides you’ll get to experience.
For those who prefer a shorter challenge, the 42km route is a fantastic option. It follows the start of the main route but turns back earlier, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of the closed roads and the city finish without the heavy climbing of the south peninsula. Both routes finish at the Cape Town Stadium.
If you’re unsure which distance is right for you, or you’re nervous about tackling the full 109km, joining a training group can make a massive difference. South Side Cycles is a social cycling club based in the Deep South of Cape Town that offers supportive group rides for all levels. Riders support each other, share tips, tackle climbs together and obviously stop for coffee after every group ride. Being part of a community makes training easier and riding the race with others far more rewarding.
Essential Gear for Every Rider
You do not need the most expensive equipment to have a great time, but certain items will make your ride much safer and more pleasant.
The Must-Have Gear
Safety is the priority. You cannot participate without a helmet, and it is a good idea to ensure yours fits correctly, particularly if it’s been a while since you’ve been for a ride. Beyond the helmet, every rider should carry:
- Water Bottles: At least two bottles to stay hydrated. Most are 500-750ml.
- Puncture Repair Kit: Spare tubes, tyre levers, and a small pump or CO2 canister.
- Multi-tool: With allen keys, these can be incredibly useful if you suddenly need to tighten or adjust something on your bike.
- Saddle Bag: Store your puncture repair gear, multitool, spare tubes, and anything else you can squeeze into it.
- Identification: Your race number and timing board are required for entry, but you can also add an ID band with your medical aid details, any allergies, emergency contact details, etc.
Clothing on the Bike
If you are planning to be in the saddle for several hours, your clothing matters. A pair of padded cycling shorts is the single best investment you can make for comfort.
You can’t go wrong with a pair of Bib Shorts from Cycle Lab. The men’s bib shorts and ladies’ bib shorts are different, so make sure to get the right one.
Pair these with a cycling jersey, as they have convenient back pockets for your snacks and phone. And for those new to longer rides, a bit of chamois cream can prevent friction that often causes discomfort.
On Bike Nutrition
Pretty much every race you enter will have aid stations or water tables along the route (Always check the route and where the aid stations are beforehand!). Cape Town Cycle Tour’s tables are always well stocked with sports drinks and cold water.
However, some great advice is “never try anything new on race day”. This advice is particularly true when it comes to nutrition. Rather be safe than sorry when it comes to your gut, you don’t want nausea or worse putting an end to your race day after all that hard training.
So stock up on some nutrition for your training rides to make sure it sits well with you when race day rolls around, and make sure you fuel early and often so you don’t hit the wall before the finish line.
Some of our favourite nutrition for rides so far includes:
- Revive – a sugar-free electrolyte drink with natural sodium, magnesium and potassium. Sip on its own or mix with your carb drink to stay hydrated, prevent cramps and support performance.
- Cadence CarboFuel – 40g of carbs per serving with a 2:1 Maltodextrin:Fructose ratio. Mix this with water in your bottle and sip away.
- Cadence Classic Energy Gels – 21g of carbs per gel, also a 2:1 ratio. For a quick and easy hit of carbs.
- Biogen Elite Carb 50g Bar – 30g of carbs per bar and great for when you feel like eating something rather than drinking down a carb mix or gel.
Remember, during the ride it’s all about getting enough carbs in. Save the high-protein mixes for recovery after the race.
Your Bicycle
If you are looking for a new bike, aim for a reliable road bike with a comfortable geometry.
Float recently partnered with Ryan Gibbons, a South African ex-pro cyclist, who shared his top 3 bike picks for this year to buy with Float.
If you can pop into your local bike shop, they’ll be sure to help you find an excellent, high-quality, dependable bike that fits in your budget. And don’t forget to make your life a little easier by floating the purchase.
Using Float to Get Race-Ready
Starting out in cycling can involve some upfront costs, especially when you factor in the bike, a helmet, shoes, and basic tools. This is where Float becomes a very helpful tool for your budget.
How Float Works
Float allows you to shop at major retailers like Cycle Lab, Evobikes, and CWCycles and pay for your equipment in interest-free monthly instalments using the credit card you already have. It uses the existing limit on your credit card, so there are no new credit applications, hidden fees, confusing repayment terms, or an ever-looming repayment deadline.
Why Use Float for Your Bike and Kit?
Instead of paying up to R40,000 all at once for a new bike or R5,000 for your new bib shorts and all your spare gear, you can split that total into manageable, interest-free instalments.
At Float merchants, like Trek, in store you can split your purchase over up to 5 months. This means a brand new Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 that would set you back R40,000 would only cost you R8,000 per month for 5 months. Interest-free!
You get your bike and kit immediately, allowing you to start training right away while keeping your budget balanced. It’s the best way to get the quality gear you need without the stress of a large single payment.
Or if you want to purchase a Trek bike online at Biket.co.za, you could Float the 2026 Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4, that’s usually R25,000, over 4 months and only pay R6,250 per month, interest-free.
Keep the Momentum: Other 2026 Cycling Events
Once you have experienced the magic of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, you might find yourself looking for the next adventure.
South Africa has a wonderful calendar of events that cater to different interests.
- Amashova Durban Classic (July 2026): This event takes you from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. It is famous for its rolling hills and a fast finish in the warm coastal air.
- 947 Ride Joburg (November 2026): A massive event in Johannesburg that takes over the city streets. It is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
- Double Century (November 2026): If you enjoy riding with friends, this 202km team event in Swellendam is a unique challenge that focuses on teamwork while challenging your endurance.
Ready, Set, Go!
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is not just about the k’s but the vibe, community and energy of so many riders out on the road!
Get your bike sorted, make sure your gear’s ready, and you’re halfway there. Use Float and get what you need now, without the upfront pressure.