The popular Cape Argus Cycle Tour has attracted cyclists from all over the world to the scenic roads of Cape Town for the last 4 decades. Avid cyclists train for months and years to condition themselves for events like this that crop up in different countries, and they face unpredictable conditions on race day – often that is the famous wind of the Cape – and this year, the 40th annual Argus Cycle will be going ahead under the enormous pressure of the drought that is currently plaguing the region.
At the heart of this historic cycle race is the appreciation and preservation of the outdoors, the environment, and sustainability, and the organisers of this epic event are determined to keep the consumption of municipal water as close to 0% as possible. This is no mean feat, but the necessity is upon us, and with Day Zero looming, it falls upon individuals and corporations to pull their weight in an effort to save the water they have left.
Cape Town Cycle Tour Director David Bellairs says, “A comprehensive plan is in place with all our suppliers and service providers to ensure that we reduce our reliance and impact on the municipal water supply to as close to 0% as possible. We believe this is achievable and are making every effort to meet this goal.”
In addition, Bellairs is calling on all participants to “support us in our efforts to conserve water during their stay in the Mother City”. Communication is imperative for a 0% municipal water use target, and there are measures in place to ensure that those taking part are abiding by the waterwise rules. Some of the actions taken by the Argus itself to reduce its water reliance are as follows:
- The use of grey water
- The use of de-salinated water
- Spring water brought in from outside the City of Cape Town
- Chemical toilets & hand sanitisers
- No shower facilities will be provided
Bellairs goes on to express regret in the sense that the cost of implementing waterwise facilities and practices may mean that the amount donated to charity this year might be slightly less than last year. However, this annual event brings in much needed funds, which are relied upon by the charities it supports. Bellairs says, “…the event must go ahead, as many of these charities rely on this income for their projects, not to mention the significant positive economic impact the Cycle Tour has for the city and the province.”
