South African rider Ryan Gibbons sprinted to victory in the men’s race of the 2026 Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday, producing a strong finish to claim the elite men’s title in one of the country’s most prestigious cycling events.
Gibbons surged to the line at the end of the iconic 109km race around the Cape Peninsula, edging his rivals in a sprint finish after the leading contenders arrived together in the closing stages.
He completed the race in 2:33.06, with fellow Jaedon Terlouw taking second place in the same time after a tightly contested sprint. Ryno Schutte, rounded out the podium in third place, crossing the line just a second later in 2:33.07.
The victory saw Gibbons add his name to the list of champions of an event widely regarded as the world’s largest timed cycle race. The annual race attracts thousands of riders ranging from elite professionals to amateur cyclists, all tackling the scenic but challenging route around Cape Town.
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For Gibbons, the win represents a significant triumph. The experienced professional has built a reputation as a strong sprinter, and he demonstrated that finishing power when it mattered most at the end of Sunday’s race.
Earlier in the day, Lisa Bone claimed victory in the women’s elite race, winning in a sprint finish ahead of Russia’s Daria Pravilova and American Kate Courtney. Bone completed the 78km race in a winning time of 2:06.26 to secure the women’s title.
The Cape Town Cycle Tour remains one of the highlights of the South African sporting calendar, drawing massive participation and crowds every year. Riders set off from the city centre before tackling the testing coastal route that has become synonymous with the event.
Sunday’s race once again delivered an exciting finish, with Gibbons proving the strongest in the final sprint to secure the men’s crown while Bone emerged victorious in the women’s event.
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