The 48th Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday 8 March was marked by tragedy when cyclist Mike Wilson died during the 109 km race.
Emergency medical teams on site responded immediately, but he could not be revived, organiser Golazo, on behalf of the Pedal Power Association, said in a statement.
It expressed condolences to Wilson’s family, friends and the cycling community. Condolences also poured in on social media from the cycling and broader sporting community.
The Friendly Cricketers’ Association of Cape Town remembered Wilson fondly. “A great character, Mike, was always trying to make you smile while he shared his infectious smile with you,” said Steven Palframan in a post.
He described Wilson as a captain’s dream player always available in any capacity and a braai master and “tidy-upper” of note.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is the world’s largest timed cycling event, attracting thousands of riders, including international participants.
The event features a 109 km route around the Cape Peninsula and a shorter 42 km route through Table Mountain National Park. Organisers maintain a strong focus on safety.
For this year’s race, the medical team included 25 doctors, 64 nurses, 120 first-aiders, 65 ambulances, nine medical motorbikes and a helicopter, according to the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
Wilson’s memorial will be held at his home on Saturday 21 March at 11:00. Wilson’s death casts a sombre shadow over an event celebrated for its cycling culture and Cape Town’s iconic landscapes.
