DESPITE the usual tears, broken limbs, "organisational chaos", bitter accusations of cheating, and fuming motorists' chronic gridlock, the Cape Argus/Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour was a resounding success, report organisers.
Many entrants agreed that this year's 109km race was the "toughest yet", because of the challenging uphill detour due to recent rockfalls on Chapman's Peak Drive, and the record number of entrants.
A record approximately 35 000 cyclists started, many of who were drawn by the R120 000 in cash prizes being offered for the first time, R20 000 of which was reserved for women.
Organisers said accountants Grant Thornton Kessel Feinstein had estimated some R1,22m was generated by each kilometre of what is billed as the world's biggest timed cycle race, with some R30m spent by entrants and visitors on airfares alone.
A further R79m would "indirectly" boost the economy by lining the pockets of retailers selling food, clothing and other products and services by the time entrants and fans leave the city.
Some larger hotels reported 99 percent occupancy rates instead of the usual 75 percent for an ordinary end of season weekend. The Cape Metropolitan Council had spent some R250m promoting and organising the race.
The cost to taxpayers was justified, a spokesperson said, by "the tremendous economic benefits".
Cape Metropolitan Tourism chief Rick Taylor said: "It is wonderful coverage for Cape Town." Some 47 cyclists were treated for minor injuries, dehydration and chest pain, and the full list of finishing times and places will only be released when several disputes about alleged "slipstreaming" are concluded. Other controversies include the Help Line's inability to cope with calls from anxious entrants up to 48 hours before the race began, and fed-up Capetonians complaining that it's a lot of "hyped-up nonsense" ruining their peaceful weekend.
Many retailers on the route closed for the day as roads were blocked off for several hours. "What is so exciting about watching thousands of identical bikes following the identical route? I cannot believe so many people came here just to watch this boring, predictable rubbish," said one irate resident of the route's suburbs. However, tourist chiefs said the importance to Cape Town cannot be overemphasised. "It'll put Cape Town on the world map and help draw tourists," said Taylor.
"Yes, but it cost me my busiest day of the week's takings," said a Kalk Bay restaurateur who declined to be identified.
(Simon Farrell)
