Tour d’Afrique, the annual 12 000-kilometer bicycle race/expedition from Cairo to Cape Town, billed as the world’s longest and most grueling bicycle race, is in its 16th week of the 17 week odyssey down the length of Africa.
The riders bid farewell to Botswana and completed the section known as ‘The Elephant Highway’ when they arrived in Windhoek, Namibia on Friday last week.
“We’re very happy to have two rest days here, as we are completely stuffed and can certainly do with the time off.” said South African rider, David Papenfus.
In the last ten days, the riders crossed two international borders and cycled 1576km, 830 of which were covered in five days. Strong headwinds added to the challenge of the long distances but the cyclists were rewarded with abundant wildlife and elephant sightings along the route.
With two days off in Windhoek, the Tour d’Afrique Foundation donated 25 bicycles to the Physically Active Youth (PAY) Programme, a community-based strategy in Katutura that supports and facilitates the develop-ment of youth in an at-risk context. The programme addresses the physical health, academic status, personal development and community involvement of 85 learners. The donation was facilitated by the Bicycling Empowerment Network Namibia (BEN Namibia).
“By focusing on sport development, the programme aims to empower young Namibians with the inherent values of sport, decreasing juvenile crimes, teenage sexual activity and substance abuse.” said Clarisse Cunha from BEN Namibia. “One of the components of PAY will be a cycling programme, coordinated with Windhoek Pedal Power with the aim of getting 25 kids into the development tour in September which we believe will have a positive impact in their lives.”
With 13 days and 1576 Kms to go before they cross the official Finish Line in Cape Town, the riders will cycle south from Windhoek on the final section known as ‘Diamond Coast’. Skirting the edge of the dune seas of the Namibian desert and the Fish River Canyon, they will cross the border into South Africa early next week as they make their way down the West Coast through Namakwaland and the Cedarberg.
Dutch racers, Adrie Frijters and Eva Nijssen still hold the lead in the men’s and women’s race.
The Tour d’Afrique will arrive in Cape Town on Saturday, 12th May with the official Finish Line and Arrival Ceremony taking place at the Amphitheatre at the V&A Waterfront.

Physically Active Youth learners with Duncan Jerard (Tour d’Afrique) and Danny Heyman (BEN Namibia).   Date: 28 April 2007