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United States >> 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Series >> 2026 UCI Cape Town Cycle Tour crowns champions as 29,000 riders take part
 
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2026 UCI Cape Town Cycle Tour crowns champions as 29,000 riders make it the world’s largest timed amateur cycling event

The 2026 UCI Cape Town Cycle Tour reaffirmed its status as the world’s largest timed amateur cycling event, drawing 29,000 riders to the scenic and challenging roads of the Cape Peninsula on Sunday. The mass participation event was matched by high drama in the elite races, which both came down to fast, tactical sprint finishes that thrilled spectators lining the course.

2026 UCI Cape Town Cycle Tour crowns champions as 29,000 riders make it the world’s largest timed amateur cycling event

An aggressive and selective men’s race produced a decisive four-man sprint in the closing kilometres. With no solo breakaway able to stick, South African sprinter Ryan Gibbons timed his effort perfectly to take the win ahead of Jaedon Terlouw and Ryno Albertus Schutte, while Callum Ormiston narrowly missed the podium.

The women’s elite contest culminated in an 11-rider bunch sprint, with Lisa Bone emerging victorious after a hard-fought race that showcased both endurance and speed. On the 109 km qualifying distance, Erin Kate Shillaw secured a commanding victory, finishing roughly three minutes ahead of Sanet Coetzee, with Czech rider Katerina Slegrova completing the podium.

Event organizers praised the seamless mix of mass participation and elite competition. The Cycle Tour again demonstrated its logistical prowess, coordinating tens of thousands of amateur riders alongside professional fields without compromising safety or race excitement. The route took riders past iconic landmarks, offering world-class racing conditions and spectacular views of the peninsula, while thousands of volunteers, marshals and medical teams helped ensure a smooth, celebratory atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike.

“This year’s Cycle Tour delivered everything we hoped for — record-level participation, top-class elite racing and a vibrant community spirit,” said Event Director Thabo Maseko. “Seeing 29,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities on the peninsula, and watching our elite fields produce such electric sprint finishes, reminds us why this event is unique on the global calendar. We’re grateful to our riders, partners and the City of Cape Town for making it possible.”

Beyond the podiums, the Cycle Tour continued its commitment to community and development programs that promote cycling access and safety across the region. Organizers highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at youth training, road-safety education and support for local cycling clubs. Plans are already underway to build on this year’s success with enhanced race experiences, expanded amateur categories and further improvements to safety and sustainability measures for the 2027 edition.

2026 UCI Cape Town Cycle Tour Men – Top 3

1- Ryan Gibbons (RSA)
2- Jaedon Terlouw (RSA)
3- Ryno Albertus Schutte (RSA)

2026 UCI Cape Town Cycle Tour Women – Top 3

1- Erin Kate Shillaw (RSA
2- Sanet Coetzee (RSA)
3- Katerina Slegrova (CZE)

Link to 2026 UCI Cape Town Cycle Tour Results: https://www.sportsplits.com/races/cape-town-cycle-tour-2026

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