Cape Town Cycle Tour

Cape Town Cycle Tour 2027: date, routes and visitor guide

The 2027 Cape Town Cycle Tour takes place on Sunday, 14 March. Riders can choose the 109 km main route or a 42 km short route; both start at Grand Parade in central Cape Town. The long course travels around the Cape Peninsula and finishes at Green Point, while the 42 km route heads south toward Tokai before returning to a finish on Riebeek Street. The organizer has also published Expo dates for 11–13 March. Entry status, race-day timings, road access and number collection details can change, so use the organizer’s current pages before booking travel.

Chapman's Peak Drive curves above the Atlantic along the Cape Peninsula. · 1 / 3

What makes the Cape Town Cycle Tour distinctive

This is a city-to-coast road ride on a scale that brings the whole peninsula into view. The 109 km route is the signature challenge: it begins among the city landmarks at Grand Parade, then follows the peninsula’s coastline, with the official route description calling out Chapman’s Peak and the climb at Suikerbossie. It returns to Cape Town for the finish at Green Point. Riders get a day of changing scenery, from the city start to open coastal roads and the final approach into town.

The 42 km option offers a shorter day in the saddle, but it still has its own route and finish arrangements. It starts at Grand Parade, runs from the city toward Tokai along the M3 corridor, and returns to a finish on Riebeek Street in the city centre. It is a useful choice for riders who want to take part without committing to the full peninsula loop. Check the current route page for the precise course and rider instructions rather than relying on a previous edition’s map.

The event has a substantial local following as well as visiting riders. The organizer reported that 29,000 cyclists took part in 2026, including more than 26,500 on the 109 km route and nearly 2,500 on the 42 km course. That figure describes the 2026 edition, not a guaranteed field size for 2027, but it gives a sense of the scale and the need to plan transport and accommodation early.

Expo dates and entry information

The official Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo is scheduled for three days before race day:

• Thursday, 11 March 2027: 09:30–19:00
• Friday, 12 March 2027: 09:00–19:00
• Saturday, 13 March 2027: 09:00–16:00

The organizer’s Expo page lists the dates, hours and visitor information. Check that page again before you go for the confirmed venue, entry terms and any number-collection instructions. Do not assume that a previous year’s venue or arrangements will apply in 2027. The organizer’s 109 km page links to entry, while its 42 km page currently says entries are not open yet (checked 26 October 2026). Recheck both pages for availability, fees and rules before making plans.

Planning the weekend in Cape Town

Grand Parade is in the central city, so accommodation in the City Bowl or another central neighbourhood can make the start easier to reach. The two routes have separate finish areas: Green Point for the 109 km ride and Riebeek Street for the 42 km event. If you are riding with friends on different distances, agree on a meeting point and transport plan in advance instead of expecting both groups to finish together.

Race-day access can differ from a normal Sunday because roads along the course are used for the event. Wait for the organizer’s 2027 rider briefing and transport notices before deciding where to park, how to reach the start or where spectators should stand. Cape Town’s official MyCiTi information page has current routes and service guidance; check live timetables and any event updates close to your trip. Leave extra time for the Expo and race morning, especially if you need to collect a race number or move between the city and Green Point.

For international visitors, check South Africa’s current visa and entry requirements through the Department of Home Affairs before booking non-refundable travel. For riders, read the final course briefing carefully and prepare for a long day on exposed coastal roads; the route page and organizer updates are the best sources for current safety, equipment and timing rules. Spectators should use the event’s latest access information rather than trying to follow riders by car along the route.

Official sources

The organizer’s 109 km event page (opens in a new tab) and 42 km route page (opens in a new tab) confirm the 2027 date, starts and course details. See the Expo schedule and visitor information (opens in a new tab) and the organizer’s 2026 participation report (opens in a new tab). For practical planning, consult the City of Cape Town’s MyCiTi bus information (opens in a new tab) and South Africa Home Affairs’ visa and ePermit questions (opens in a new tab).