By Natasha Prince
The time has come to haul out your old faithful cycling shorts and helmets: entries for the 33rd annual Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour open on Tuesday.
Cyclists across the city have already started gearing up for one of South Africa's biggest sporting events. The 2010 cycle tour is scheduled to take place on Sunday March 14.
Cyclists are encouraged to enter as early as possible to secure a number in the race which is limited to 35 000 paid-for entrants.
David Bellairs, co-director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust said: "Interest in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour is at an all-time high following the participation of the Damon brothers this year so we expect an even greater rush this time round."
Hollywood actor Matt Damon and his brother Kyle took part in the 2008 race on a tandem bike.
Cyclists are also able to improve their starting time for the 2010 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour by participating in the many Alpha Pharm Seeding Series events around the country. A cyclist's performance at the seeding events would be used to calculate their Cycle Tour starting time.
"These events, and any other fun rides, offer a safe and secure racing environment for cyclists. Participants can use these events to accumulate valuable training time, while it provides novices with real-life race conditions in which they can build their cycling confidence," he said.