The 2026 edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour delivered the usual speed, tension, and colour that make it one of the world’s great road races. From the pre-dawn moments before the start to the decisive moves on the road, photographer Tobias Ginsberg captured the men’s pro peloton in full flight.

In this photo story, he shares the thinking behind the images – why he chose that particular moment, what he was looking for, and what goes through his mind as the race unfolds in front of his lens.

Intense anticipation: The first light of the morning barely brushes the city as the riders gather, some as early as 3 or 4:30 AM. There’s a quiet electricity in the air – everyone is gearing up, checking their bikes, and preparing mentally for the day ahead. I love capturing this raw, almost sacred energy, with the cityscape waking around them. It’s that charged pause before the storm of the race begins.

Creative bokeh shot: Sometimes photography is about play, and this shot was just that. I was experimenting with a new lens and the way the background blurred made the subject almost float against it. It’s less about the race and more about the feeling, the movement, the light-catching moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Lead race sign-in: The moment the elite riders start signing in is magical. It’s a ritual that always makes things feel real – the tension, the focus, the quiet pride in what they’re about to do. Watching the leads come forward, pen in hand, you can feel the weight of expectation and the thrill of competition building.

Spokes and energy: The spinning wheels, the circles of motion – there’s something hypnotic about them. This shot captures that sense of energy radiating from the cyclists, the rhythm and drive of their motion. It’s playful, creative, and alive with the heartbeat of the ride.

UCI start arch: The start arch, with UCI branding and Table Mountain looming softly behind, feels monumental even in its calmness. The shot is gentler, more reflective, but still charged with energy. It’s a celebration of the race itself and the spectacle of cycling in this incredible city.

Neutral zone start: As the riders wait under the red flag in the neutral zone, everything feels poised on the edge. The city behind them, the anticipation thick in the air, and then – as the flag is about to drop – you can feel the adrenaline starting to surge. This is when the race truly begins, when focus sharpens and excitement spikes.

Hospital Hill descent: Coming over the top of Hospital Hill, the speed hits you. Shooting from the back of a motorbike, with light low and shadows stretching, the moment becomes visceral. The riders blur into motion and adrenaline; you feel every tilt, every lean, every push of effort. This is race reality in its purest form.

Peloton formation: Watching the elite group ride, tight and synchronised, is almost otherworldly. The arrow formation, the concentration, the subtle energy of each rider supporting the other – it’s both art and sport. Seeing Ryan Gibbons in his red helmet tucked perfectly into the line is just a beautiful nod to the discipline and talent at play.

Sunrise silhouettes: Sunrise hits the peloton, and suddenly the riders are cast into dramatic silhouettes. The trees on the left frame them beautifully, and the warmth of the early light kisses every edge. There’s serenity here, but also that racing energy beneath – the calm before the day bursts into full motion.

Simon’s Town climb: The peloton weaves through Simon’s Town, the light slanting perfectly across the hills. Watching the race unfold here is like watching a living painting – teams hustling, riders finding their rhythm, the interplay of movement and scenery. The hills catch the sun just right, lighting the riders in fleeting golden moments.

Smitswinkel approach: Finally, the ocean appears behind the peloton, wind whipping the waves and riders alike. The white horses of the sea mirror the effort and tension in the riders, and the tight formation shows precision and discipline. It’s a perfect blend of beauty and athleticism.

Climbing contrast: As the peloton climbs, the contrast of soil, sea, and riders creates a natural composition that thrills me every time. The motion blur, the flare of light, the trees for proportion – all come together to give a sense of scale, speed, and struggle, capturing the heart of the race.

Tracking the winning team: Here, the focus is on teamwork. Every rider is pushing, sitting tight, powering together toward the finish line. It’s a visual symphony of effort, and watching the cohesion unfold is a privilege. Motion blur helps convey their pace and drive, and the energy almost leaps off the frame.

Ryan Gibbons in focus: Capturing Ryan Gibbons, someone I’ve followed for years, feels like a small personal victory. He embodies the elite level of World Tour cycling – power, precision, and grace. This shot is about respect, admiration, and the sheer thrill of watching world-class athletes in their element.

Chapman’s Peak scenics: The sheer rock faces of Chapman’s Peak dwarf the riders, giving the viewer a sense of scale and drama. Leading lines draw the eye, and the energy of descent contrasts beautifully with the natural grandeur. It’s epic, cinematic, and alive.

Hout Bay descent: Cyclists wind down the hill into Hout Bay, the coastal backdrop highlighting the ride’s elegance and danger. It’s scenic yet alive with motion, capturing both the human and the environmental elements that make this race unforgettable.

Cabo Yellow team: This shot celebrates community and passion. Caroline and the Matzelela Ladies clinics energise the sport, and the Cabo Yellow team radiates enthusiasm. It’s about connection, spirit, and the joy of cycling beyond competition.

Camps Bay contrast: Cyclists cruising past the wealth of Camps Bay feels like a moment of reflection. The disparity between environment and effort highlights the universality of cycling – the road is for everyone.

Seapoint Pools’ iconic building: The final image in this sequence is a quiet moment of observation. The iconic building anchors the scene, and riders moving through the city remind us that cycling is as much about community, scenery, and experience as it is about speed. Watching the world go by through this lens is a joy in itself.

READ MORE ON: Cape Town Cycle Tour Gallery