Image credit: Cape Town Cycle Tour / Cropped and resized from original

Cyclist enthusiasts are you ready? In just over a week, the Cape Town Cycle Tour kicks off, a 109 km race around the mountain ranges of the western edge of the Western Cape! Last year saw the race shorted due to fire damage, but this year, cyclists and spectators can look forward to the full race, an adventure through the Western Cape with breathtaking views that the region offers.  The race will start from the Cape Town City Centre, going as far south as the Cape Peninsula, before making way towards the Atlantic Seaboard and onwards to the finish line in Green Point. Entry applications have already closed, but spectators still have a chance to organise where they can watch all the action of the Cape Town Cycle Tour. A multitude of vantage points will be available along the route, offering you a wide selection of options to choose from. Some offer fantastic angles to view the cyclists while others are perfect for setting up a barbecue. Whether you want to be in the thick of the excitement at the starting point or at the tougher spots cheering your favourite cyclist on, these spectator points are ideally situated to suit your needs.

Vantage Points

Here’s some information on some of the various locations in which you will find the vantage points. Below this, you will find an interactive map containing all the information on all of the vantage points.

1. Cape Town City Centre

These various points in the Cape Town City Centre are ideal if you want to catch the start of the race. In such a setting, you’ll probably be able to feel the tension as thousands of cyclists prepare to get started. Make sure to get there early. Since the road will be closed, you won’t be able to park your vehicle there, so either book accommodation in the Cape Town City Centre overnight, or find parking nearby and walk to these vantage points.

 2. Woodstock

The funky area of Woodstock is well known for its artistic attractions and originality, boasting many proudly South African establishments. While you’re in the area, you can check out the galleries, restaurants, cafés, markets and activities, perfect for the whole family. Relax at one of them while watching the cyclists pass by in a setting famous for Victorian-styled buildings.

3. Rondebosch, Newlands, Claremont and Bishopscourt

These areas of the Southern Suburbs of the Western Cape are popular for their natural beauty and appealing properties. The vantage points are ideal around here, with a few restaurants and cafés near to the route, ensuring that you’ll be able to dine in comfort while enjoying a close proximity to the magnificent Table Mountain.

4. Wynberg, Constantia and Tokai

Venturing further into the Southern Suburbs, these vantage points will show you even more of the natural beauty of the Western Cape. The race route passes the  vast Wynberg Park and at this point presents cyclists with their second climb. You’ll be in the prime position to cheer them on and there will even be space to enjoy a smoking barbecue meal.

5. Lakeside, Muizenberg, False Bay Coast, Cape Point and Scarborough

As the route touches the edge of the picturesque Cape Point, the vantage points around these areas will grant spectators with a close proximity to the coast, guaranteeing breathtaking coastal views and the fresh sea air that will be sure to invigorate the cyclists. Cheer them on as they make their massive U-turn and start the route towards the finish line.

6. Hout Bay, Llandudno, Camps Bay, Clifton and Sea Point

The collection of vantage points along the Atlantic Seaboard will grant spectators with plenty of gorgeous settings from which to view the action. The town of Hout Bay is famous for its sea and mountain views while the small area of Llandudno boasts one of the most beautiful and exclusive beaches of Cape Town. Then, of course, the vantage points along the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton will surely be one the best spots to be with panoramic ocean and mountain views while the charming and luxurious area of Sea Point presents the penultimate stretch.

7. Green Point

Numerous vantage points will be available throughout Green Point, offering spectators many options to watch as cyclists take on the final stretch towards the finish line. There are vantage points situated in the luscious Green Point Park and the Cape Town Stadium, meaning amazing views of the unique beauty of the enticing area of Green Point.

That covers it!

Now that you know where you can go to watch the competition take place, make sure to get there early, find a nice parking spot, or if you’re enjoying accommodation in one of these areas, some vantage points will be within an easy walking distance of your apartment or holiday home. Additionally, you could make use of the MyCiTi bus service to reach certain vantage points. That’s it then. Start getting ready for the Cape Town Cycle Tour and preparing a way to inspire your favourite cyclist to do their best!