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The Cape Rouleur Entries Open 9th October

by Henry Peacock

Entries for the Cape Rouleur 2013, the newest addition to HotChillee’s Global Events Series will go live at 12:00 BST on 9th October. It is expected that the 120 places on HotChillee's newest multi-stage event, taking place on 3rd to 7th March 2013, will sell out quickly.

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Entries Open Soon

As part of the entry, riders will also receive a place with seeded entry and finish line hospitality on South Africa’s Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour (10th March), the World’s largest individually timed cycle race, giving riders a full week of cycling.

The Cape Rouleur covers 475km and 6,475m of climbing over three stages, taking riders through stunning South African scenery in the Western Cape. It passes sites such as Paarl Monument the Perdeberg National Reserve and Betty’s Bay. During the event Franschhoek, the heart of gastronomy and wine in the country, becomes the riders’ race village and provides the perfect setting to relax and socialise after a hard day in the saddle.

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Stunning Scenery

Following the third stage there will be a Celebration Dinner for riders and guests. In addition to the three stages of the Cape Rouleur there is a Festival Ride on 7th March from Franschhoek to Cape Town. Riders are escorted by the motorbike outriders and support crew and met by a champagne reception overlooking the crashing waves of the ocean at the Cape Town waterfront. The Cape Rouleur follows HotChillee’s winning multi-stage format, with rolling road closures, timed race sections, motorbike outriders, support vehicles from Vehicle Partner Hertz and an extensive support crew and mechanics from local retail partner Cyclelab. It is organised to bring enthusiasts close to the professionals’ grand tour experience, and with cycling professionals and legends such as Triple Crown Winner Stephen Roche and professional mountain biker, Karl Platt (7x Trans Alp & 4x Cape Epic winner) cycling the event, it provides cycling enthusiasts the ride of their lifetime.

The 2012 test event took place earlier this year and received endorsements from politicians, police and locals. The Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Alan Winde, was inspired to buy a bike and will ride the 2013 event. Minister Winde says: “The Cape Rouleur is an exciting new event for the region and we’re giving it our full backing. It will bring a group of influential international cyclists, both professional and enthusiasts to the gastronomic capital and we look forward to welcoming them.

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Pro Mountain Biker Karl Platt Driving On The Front

There is no better way to take in the beautiful views of the Western Cape than from the seat of a bicycle and I can’t wait to ride the event next year.” Sven Thiele, founder of HotChillee says: “Adding the Cape Rouleur to our Global Events Series will give the HotChillee community the chance to ride in a safe, fun and professional event in one of the most beautiful places in the World. The test run earlier this year was a huge success and we’ve been warmly welcomed by everyone in South Africa. Those riding are sure to have an unforgettable cycling experience.”

The event has three local charity partners, including Christel House, a charity working to bring children out of poverty, JAG foundation, which offers mentoring, coaching and physical activities to expel drug and alcohol abuse in South Africa and Lumo Hawk, the charity started by Joel Stransky supporting educational efforts in South Africa, such as paying school fees for HIV orphans. Local sponsors of the Cape Rouleur include Hertz and Cycle Lab. The Western Cape Government is also providing its backing to the event.