Cape Town Cycle Tour gala dinner speech

A speech delivered by Minister Anroux Marais at the Cape Town Cycle Tour Gala Dinner 

All protocol observed.

Good evening, molweni, goeienaand,
 
It gives me great pleasure to be a part of the 2016 Cape Town Cycle Tour and I thank you for the opportunity.

The month of March is the global highlight of each cyclist's calendar. It is during this month that cyclists from all over the world meet in the Western Cape to participate in premier cycling events. The Cape Town Cycle tour is one of them.

Celebrating its 39th year, the Cape Town Cycle Tour will see 35 000 cyclists line up on Sunday to ride the 109km route through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery that includes the iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport has prioritised cycling for the month of March. Cycling events such as the Cape Rouleur, the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the ABSA Cape Epic undoubtedly make a meaningful contribution to our mission of encouraging excellence and inclusiveness through sport in the Western Cape. 
These events also offer a platform for positive role models for our youth. Talented riders from vulnerable communities are selected to participate in various development programmes which support and groom them into professional athletes equipped to compete in international cycling events. 
    
Cycling events showcase the diversity of the province as a cycling destination. Premier races are the cornerstone of our cycle tourism strategy, which aims to promote the Western Cape as a cycle-friendly destination for casual and competitive cyclists. For this reason, heartfelt gratitude is expressed to all who had a hand in the success of this event and those to follow. The Western Cape Government is confident that the 2016 Cape Town Cycle Tour will be nothing short of a world class event and will further develop the sport as a professional and recreational activity for years to come. 

On that note, I wish all riders well ahead of the race this weekend and welcome visitors to take the opportunity to experience the splendour of our picturesque Mother City and the greater Western Cape as a whole.

I thank you.

Media Enquiries: 

Stacy McLean
Spokesperson for Minister Anroux Marais
Email: Stacy.McLean@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 4426
Cell: 083 504 1171