“Welcome to cycling heaven!” That’s how former professional Hanco Kachelhoffer greets visiting cyclists in Paarl. He had an illustrious career in the sport and now owns Bicycle Garage in Paarl, along with his wife, another former pro, An-Li Kachelhoffer.
Kachelhoffer is back on the bike for the 4-stage Tour du Cap, which takes place on the beautiful cycling roads of the Boland from 3 to 6 March, encompassing a total distance of 455 km and 5 090 m vertical ascent over four stages.
“There is no better geographical area in the country for road cycling,” he said. “The roads are in excellent condition and generally quiet, and road users are very considerate.
“Emulating the finest European cycling traditions, the Tour is set for a exhilarating grand finale, with riders having to summit the Paarl Mountain to finish at the Taal Monument on the final day.
“It’s such a stunning finish and the final general classification in all the categories will likely be in the balance up until the final day.”
Kachelhoffer moved to Paarl a few years ago and says motorists are diligent, law abiding and patient in the Boland. “There is a different tempo in the Boland, and yet it is centrally located close to Cape Town,” he says. “The region is such a beautiful place to ride your bike and the roads lend them to road cycling.
“The Tour du Cap is based in Paarl and, according to Kachelhoffer, the beautiful Boland town is the perfect location for a true European styled road stage race. “We have an abundance of mountain passes. Du Toit’s Kloof Pass, Bains Kloof Pass, Franschhoek Pass and Helshoogte are all within a 25 km radius from Paarl, so we really are spoilt for choice.”
The tour comprises an undulating 1st stage over 132 km, a 26 km individual time trial 2nd stage, followed by two challenging mountain stages over 159 km and 126 km respectively.
Stage 3 includes Helshoogte and finishes on Du Toits Kloof Pass while the final stage summits Bothmaskloof Pass on the outskirts of Riebeeck Kasteel, before finishing at the Taal Monument in Paarl.
The Tour is based in Paarl for all four days, which eases rider logistics with no travel required between stages. It caters for all CSA age group racing category cyclists up to 60+Veteran Men as well as elite women and amateur open riders with a normal CSA affiliation or those who can buy a day licence.
The event is presented by De Villiers National Cycling. To enter and view all the tour information, including competitions, stages, daily starts and batches, go to www.tourducap.co.za
