Cape town: The City of Cape Town has alerted residents about upcoming road closures as the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust prepares for the influx of thousands of cyclists from South Africa and around the world. The event promises a bustling weekend in the Mother City, with efforts from city officials to ensure the safety and smooth passage of participants throughout the peninsula.
According to South African Government News Agency, the city will collaborate with the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust by deploying Safety and Security personnel, including Traffic Services, Metro Police, Law Enforcement, and Disaster Risk Management along the race route. The road closures will commence with minor interruptions from Friday, escalating to major closures on Saturday, 7 March, and Sunday, 8 March 2026, affecting areas such as the CBD, Green Point, Sea Point, Southern Suburbs, and the Deep South.
Key road closures will impact several significant routes, including sections of Helen Suzman Boulevard, Chapman's Peak Drive, and the M3 Highway (outbound), among others. Specific streets in the CBD will experience closures from Friday evening to facilitate race preparations, with further closures extending into the weekend.
The Cycle Tour week kicks off on Thursday, 5 March, with a three-day rider registration and the Lifecycle Expo at the DHL Stadium. The Expo anticipates around 35,000 visitors, showcasing over 80 exhibitors featuring cycling gear, nutrition, technology, and apparel. Entry is complimentary for participating cyclists and children under 12, while non-participants can attend for a fee.
On race day, cyclists will embark on routes of varying lengths: the traditional 109km starting from the Grand Parade, a 78km invitational Women's Race and U17 Boys Race from Fish Hoek, and a shorter 42km route through the southern suburbs. Each route offers a unique experience, with the finish line set on Helen Suzman Boulevard in Green Point.