Cape Town’s roads will once again come alive on Sunday, 8 March, when thousands of cyclists line up for the 48th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour. With cool conditions and only a light breeze forecast, the elite men and women are expected to race under near-perfect circumstances around the iconic peninsula route.
While the fields feature several past champions and international contenders, there is no single standout favourite this year. Instead, cycling fans can expect a tactical battle between experienced winners, ambitious challengers, and rising stars.
Strong Field of Former Champions in the Men’s Race
The elite men’s race includes four previous winners, making it one of the most competitive fields in recent years. Defending champion Tyler Lange returns after claiming victory in 2025 with a dramatic sprint finish. Lange surged from a chasing group that caught the breakaway just 500 metres from the line, outsprinting Reinardt Janse van Rensburg and Jaedon Terlouw to secure the prestigious Carrol Boyes trophy.
Veteran Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, who won the race in 2012, brings vast experience after a decade racing at World Tour level, including six appearances in the Tour de France. Backed by a strong Tshenolo Pro Cycling team, he will be aiming to add a second Cycle Tour title to his résumé.
Another major contender is Marc Pritzen, the 2022 champion and one of South Africa’s most versatile cyclists. Racing for Honeycomb 226ers alongside Swiss rider Felix Stehli and 2013 winner Herman Fouche, Pritzen’s squad could use team tactics to control the race.
Former winner Kent Main, victorious in 2024, also returns alongside Ryan Gibbons in the Fly Cool Collective colours. Gibbons, a former World Tour professional, has openly stated that the Cape Town Cycle Tour is the one major local title missing from his career achievements.
A Tactical and Unpredictable Contest
Unlike the women’s race, the men’s event has been won in different ways in recent years. Main attacked late to win solo in 2024, Lange triumphed in a sprint from a chase group in 2025, and Chris Jooste secured victory in 2023 from a long-range breakaway.
That unpredictability makes riders like Jaedon Terlouw, Sascha Weber, Luke Moir, and Alex Miller dangerous outsiders. Terlouw, in particular, proved his finishing speed by winning Ride Joburg last year after beating Ryan Gibbons and Marc Pritzen in a sprint.
Young talents such as Ryno Schutte and Gustav Roller could also influence the race if they manage to stay with the elite riders deep into the race.
Women’s Race Could Come Down to a Sprint
In contrast, the elite women’s race has historically been decided by a small group sprint after a tough battle over Chapman’s Peak Drive and Suikerbossie.
Tyler Jacobs will start among the favourites after her impressive win at the 2026 South African National Road Championships. The professional mountain biker has shown she can match the country’s top road racers in a sprint finish.
Former champion Tiffany Keep, who won the race in 2024, remains a major contender thanks to her experience on the course and strong finishing speed. She will face competition from riders like Hayley Preen, Lisa Bone, and Lucy Young, who have all been in excellent form.
International riders could also play a key role. Namibia’s Vera Looser, a multiple podium finisher, and American star Kate Courtney add extra strength to the field.
Key Climbs Will Shape the Race
The decisive moments are likely to unfold on the iconic climbs of Chapman’s Peak Drive and Suikerbossie. These sections traditionally reduce the leading group before the final run along Helen Suzman Boulevard toward the finish.
If a small group reaches the final kilometre together, timing the sprint perfectly could determine who lifts the trophy.
With strong contenders across both fields and perfect racing conditions predicted, the 2026 Cape Town Cycle Tour promises an exciting and unpredictable battle for the title.
