The South African cycling community is abuzz with excitement at the upcoming Cell C Tour of South Africa which will take top cyclists from South Africa and the rest of the world from Pretoria to Paarl in eight days.

Gauteng will be hosting the start of the inaugural Tour of South Africa on 19 February 2011 and in stage one the cyclists will start at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria, riding past the Union Buildings along the Magalies Ridge west of Pretoria before heading to the picturesque Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COH WHS).

The 120 cyclists will whizz past the iconic Maropeng Visitor Centre and take in the beautiful scenery in the area before finishing at Montecasino in Fourways.

Fana Jiyane, CEO of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site Management Authority, says: “We are delighted to be co-host of this event. We look forward to welcoming the top cyclists from South Africa and the world to the place where humankind began.” The fact that the COH WHS is on this prestigious route is an indication of the popularity of the cycling routes in the area. “We see the tour as another opportunity for Gauteng to showcase the range of activities right on our doorstep,” says Jiyane.

Not only is the Cradle of Humankind easily accessible from Johannesburg, Pretoria and Krugersdorp but the roads offer an ideal training ground for Gauteng cyclists.  In an effort to secure the safety of cyclists on the road, the COH WHS MA, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, recently created cycling lanes in the area.  

Furthermore, to alleviate frustration and in an effort to avoid residents in the area being inconvenienced, there will be a rolling road closure along the route. This system will mean a few delays with short disruptions instead of complete road closures.  

The disruptions in this area offer motorists the perfect opportunity to get out of their cars and watch the cyclists as they whoosh by.  The estimated times for road restrictions in the Cradle of Humankind will be from approximately 12:30 till 13:10 from the D400/R3 to the R540.

Jiyane continues: “We are committed to growing tourism in the Cradle of Humankind and events like The Cell C Tour of South Africa acknowledge the great cycling facilities in the area and encourage more cyclists to pay us a visit on their morning ride.”

Another drawcard for cyclists is that the area enables them to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a scenic ride, taking in the fresh country air. The roads in the Cradle are buzzing with activity on Saturday and Sundays as more and more people get into the sport.

Not only is this event a fabulous addition to the COH WHS event calendar but will also draw international attention to the extensive range of activities on offer for leisure and business tourists in the area.