Tour de France Magazine 2019 | Page 41

LOCAL RIDES PPS Panorama Tour This four-day stage race along the scenic Mpumalanga escarpment has introduced some changes for 2019. The race now takes place in June (15-18) and features improved routes and a new Elite/Pro category – this last will function as a race within a race with separate start times. The format remains much the same, with teams of two riders facing 320km of tough racing and 6 400m of ascent through the mountains. Stages start and fi nish at Casterbridge near White River and cover an average of around 100km per day for the fi rst three stages, with a short time trial shaking up the fi nal podium on day 4. www.panoramatour.co.za Takealot Tour of Good Hope Presented every year in the week leading up to the Cape Town Cycle Tour, this stage race is based around a central race village hub at the Boland Landbou Skool in Paarl and incorporates fi ve days of clover-leaf racing through the Cape Winelands. The route for the 2020 race (scheduled for 2-6 March) is still be confi rmed, but expect stages of around 100km and some tough climbs through the mountains of the Western Cape. www.tourofgoodhope.co.za HotChillee Cape Rouleur In this fi ve-day cycling tour based out of Franschhoek, riders are seeded into one of three speed groups and roll through the beautiful Cape Winelands supported by rolling road closures, motorbike outriders, lead cars, HotChillee Ride Captains and full mechanical and medical support. Stages range between 100-150km per day and there’s some tough climbing to be done before the mid- aft ernoon fi nish, timed to allow for recovery sessions by the pool and fi ne dining at leisure in the evening. It happens the week before the Cape Town Cycle Tour and gives riders the opportunity to gain seeded entry to the race. The next event is set for 1-5 March 2020. www.hotchillee.com 2 0 1 9 TO U R D E FR ANCE | 41