Tips for a safe & healthy day at this Sunday’s Cape Town Cycle Tour
Oh yea! It’s Cape Town Cycle Tour week baby! This Sunday is a big day out for many riders and in the interest of everyone’s safety, riders are encouraged to prioritise their health and safety. From managing cramps to knowing when not to ride, here are essential tips to ensure a safe and successful race.
Tips for your best Cape Town Cycle Tour
Cramping and Fatigue
Muscle cramps are most likely to occur when muscles are fatigued, making proper conditioning and training essential. If you experience a cramp during the race, stop immediately to avoid endangering yourself and others. Gently stretch the affected muscle to increase blood flow and relieve the cramp.
Managing Energy Levels
Avoid trying anything new on race day. Stick to familiar energy boosters, such as Powerade, which will be available on the course. Be cautious of products containing stimulants, as they can increase your heart rate. Aim for sustained energy by consuming good sources of carbohydrates and protein throughout the race.
Medication Guidelines
Maintain your regular medication schedule on race day, including asthma, epilepsy, blood pressure, or heart medications. Changing your routine can be risky. Be cautious with painkillers, as anti-inflammatory medications can affect kidney function, and those containing codeine can impair concentration and alertness. If you have severe allergies, remember to carry your EpiPen.
Recovery Tips
After crossing the finish line, continue moving to aid circulation and prevent dizziness. Replenish lost fluids and electrolytes – chocolate milk is a great option.
When Not to Ride
If taking antibiotics, this indicates an ongoing bacterial infection. Experiencing chest pain, light-headedness, or dizziness which could be warning signs of serious health issues. Flu-like symptoms, fever, night sweats, sore throat, or shortness of breath are also red flags. It’s better to skip the race than risk severe complications. Low energy or excessive fatigue which may point to a viral infection. Persistent diarrhoea, this affects hydration and body temperature control. If any of these symptoms occur during the race, visit one of the medical points for a check-up before continuing.
World-First Melanoma Screening at the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour
In a world-first initiative, the Cape Town Cycle Tour will invite between 1,500 and 2,000 participants to a free melanoma screening, conducted by dermatologists at the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour Lifecycle Expo. Presented by Clicks, and supported by Eucerin, La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, Dermalogica, and ISDIN, the melanoma screening will be conducted at the event’s Expo venue. All entrants will be invited via email to complete a questionnaire to identify the most at-risk participants for the screening.
“In 2024, the cycling community lost a dear friend, Tim Brink, to cancer. His battle began with a melanoma, which was only diagnosed after it had spread to surrounding areas. Tim was a celebrated journalist and accomplished cyclist, and this initiative, which we hope to extend in coming years, is a celebration of a great man, and a potentially life-saving intervention for event participants,” said David Bellairs, Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust. //
| WORDS: Dr Darren Green |