1985 Tour de Cape Flats Part I

The Tour de Cape Flats was a uniquely Cape Town event organised by the Western Province Cycling Union affiliated to the South African Council on Sport-aligned South African Cycling Board.
As the name suggests the route took the riders through the Cape Flats, home to the marginalised who were so ruthlessly uprooted from their original homes under the Apartheid group areas act.

The event was held under trying circumstances supported by committed, passionate and dedicated officials. Four Seasons Travel and then Protea Toyota a motor dealership in Kasselsvlei Road Bellville South showed support for the event with Protea Toyota becoming title sponsor in 1985, further enhancing the prestige of the event.

In addition to the racing aspect, there was an event for allcomers and schools allowing the community to get a feel of their very own "Tour de France".

The route took the riders from Gatesville Shopping Centre, through Rylands and Hanover Park onto Strandfontein Road passing Ottery, Lotus River, Grassy Park, Pelican Park, Strandfontein Village onto Baden Powell Drive. Then all along the coast road pass Monwabisi Beach, Khayelitsha, Eerste River, pass Spier onto the M12. Then over Polkadraai, passing Summerville, Highbury, proceeding onto the R300 bisecting Wesbank and Delft, proceeding through Mitchells Plain. And then proceeding through Philippi onto Imam Haron Road through Guguletu onto Klipfontein Road passing Heideveld and Surrey Estate to finish back at the Gatesville Shopping Centre.
A true Tour de Cape Flats!

Cyclists who articiated in the 1985 Tour de Cape Flats:

William Newman
Brian Newman
Ismail Jappie
Anwar Jappie
Virgo Martin
Mark Cloete
Gary Cloete
Hilton Cloete
Dominic Bonthuys
Andre Starling
Glen Bonthuys
Andre Bonthuys
David Petersen
Tommy Cridland
Douglas Carelse
Kevin Diedericks
Craig Kruger
Ganief Lottering
Abubaker Shira
Victor Wyngaard
Colin Malloy

I do not have a complete list of riders so please add your name and that of any other rider in the comments section.

Officials
Mr. W.J. Cloete(Pa) Cloete
Mr. Willie Cloete
Mr. Reggie Cloete
Mr. Edmund Newman
Mr. Mike Tassiem
Mr. Jappie
Mr. Adams
Mrs. Adams
Mr. Starling
Mr. Bonthuys
Me. Raymond Poggenpoel
Mrs. Mary Barendilla
Mr. Geoff Barendilla
Mr. Pat Williams
Ms. Jurd

Sponsor:
Protea Toyota

Red Cross

Camera Man:
Aziz Tassiem
Special thanks to our camera man Aziz Tassiem(RIP) who was a champion cyclist himself, but whose life was cut short in a motor accident on duty while covering an international story in his Journalism career. He was in the prime of his cycling career when he sadly left us, circ 1989/1990. Anyone who can verify the date of his passing?

We acknowledge all those dedicated officials who passionately gave their time to serve the sport.
We remember all officials and riders who served the sport so well under the SACOS banner.
No normal sport in an abnormal society!

Please send any updates on official and rider names which I will gladly add.

Tour de Cape Flats gallery:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PAhKTD2mqhkNdbrn8

Part II, the Full Tour at
   • Full 1985 Tour de Cape Flats