To describe the past 10 days at the Cycle Tour office as anything less than frenetic would not be doing the time justice. From an office point of view we now move into the crazy period. Provisional seedings are out and cyclists by the thousand are in daily contact with us, espousing the virtues of their prowess and debating at length with the team as to why they should all be seeded in "A group". If only Lance knew the depth of the talent that we have here in SA waiting to pounce should he dare to venture to our sun baked shores...

If the thousands of e-mails and phone calls were not enough to send the most hardened gladiator scurrying to seek refuge then the frustration around trying to seek resolution to the Chapman's Peak issue certainly would. As I write this we await confirmation of an audience with the provincial authorities in a last ditch attempt to gain access to the Peak for the Tour on the 8th of March. We are quietly optimistic that good sense will prevail and the correct decision will be made. Should this decision be that Chappies is not available to us, then all plans are already in play to activate the Ou Kaapse Weg option.

As if Chapman's weren't enough, we are still wrestling with the logistical challenges that face us along the main road between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay. A final announcement on this stretch of the route will be made on Tuesday the 3rd of February.

On a more relaxing note, I was extremely privileged to have spent this past weekend in the hospitable town of Oudtshoorn. During my 20 years in the sport I have ridden many fun rides in many parts of South Africa but I must confess that the Langenhoven Gimnasium Fun Ride was one of my more pleasant road-riding experiences. There is something so peaceful about riding through the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains in an area where, for the day, bicycles outnumbered cars! If you ever find yourself in the area in late January, do take the time to participate in and experience this wonderful event.

Stay tuned to this site for updates around the event and the happenings at our office. I trust that all your training is now starting to pay off and look forward to seeing you all at the various fun rides around the country, starting with the VW/EP Herald this weekend.

Safe cycling,

Dave Bellairs