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
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