“We have received the sad news that late yesterday afternoon one of our Rotary marshals passed away in hospital. He was stationed on an S-bend after the Llandudno turnoff. The circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear and we are currently investigating the incident in conjunction with the South African Police Services.

Our Rotary marshals have always been integral to the successful running of the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Most of them work alongside us year after year in a voluntary capacity. They are part of the Cycle Tour family, as are our riders, and we are deeply saddened by this news. We ask for respect for the family’s privacy at this time. We will communicate further information when we have it, if appropriate.

For the vast majority of our cyclists and those working behind the scenes, the 2018 Cape Town Cycle Tour reached a successful culmination after months of hard work. But three families are in mourning for the three lives lost on the route this year.

A 40-year-old male was caught up in an accident involving a group of 20 cyclists on Wynberg Hill. The cyclist received immediate medical attention at the scene but, tragically, his injuries proved fatal. Another cyclist is suspected to have experienced a heart attack going up the hill at Smitswinkel Bay, and, as stated, we are awaiting confirmation regarding the marshal.

I want to assure everyone that all measures are taken to ensure participants’ and marshals’ safety on the route. In my 28 years working on the Cycle Tour, there have been only two trauma related deaths on the day of Cycle Tour. Our hearts and prayers are with the families at this very sad time. We have extended our most sincere condolences.”

– David Bellairs, Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust Director

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