Ryan Gibbons Triumphs
“But taking the victory is so special. It’s great to be back here in South Africa, to be part of the local cycling community again,” said Ryan Gibbons after winning the 2026 Cape Town Cycle Tour, also known as the Argus Cycle Tour. Gibbons completed the elite men’s race, which covered a distance of 109 kilometers, in an impressive time of 2:33:06.
The race, held on March 8, 2026, marked the 48th edition of this prestigious cycling event, which has become a staple in the South African sporting calendar. The event attracted around 30,000 participants, showcasing the vibrant cycling culture in Cape Town. Gibbons, who returned to South Africa after spending a decade racing in Europe, expressed his joy at reconnecting with the local cycling community.
In a closely contested finish, Jaedon Terlouw secured second place, just behind Gibbons, while Ryno Schutte finished third, only one second after Gibbons. Schutte remarked, “You have to fight to be in the front 10% all the time, or risk getting caught up in crashes,” highlighting the competitive nature of the race.
On the women’s side, Lisa Bone emerged victorious, completing her race in 2:06:26. Bone, who competed against 135 riders in the elite women’s category, shared her feelings about her success, stating, “I still have to tell myself that I belong in the elite women’s field.” Her win adds to the excitement surrounding women’s cycling in South Africa.
The race route included the challenging climb up Suikerbossie, a well-known feature of the Argus Cycle Tour that tests the endurance and skill of participants. The atmosphere in Cape Town was electric, with local residents and visitors alike coming out to support the cyclists. Alan Winde, a local figure, described the scene: “Cape Town is buzzing with gees, bikes everywhere you look, bright Lycra, big smiles and that unmistakable race-day energy.”
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is not just a race; it is part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series, which attracts cyclists from around the globe. This integration into a larger series emphasizes the significance of the event and its role in promoting cycling as a sport.
As the dust settles on this year’s race, the cycling community looks forward to future events and the continued growth of the sport in South Africa. Gibbons’ victory and Bone’s success are sure to inspire a new generation of cyclists eager to take part in the Argus Cycle Tour in the years to come.
