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KEEPING IT CLEAN
Every year, around 150 individuals from disadvantaged communities ensure that the Cycle Tour route is returned to its former pristine condition.
On Race Day, these teams - managed by the Oostenberg and other Rotary Clubs - are stationed at the various refreshment stations and on the route itself, and later follow the cyclist sweep vehicles to clean the route from start to finish.
They aim to clear the 65 cubic metres of rubbish generated by the Tour’s 35,000 riders and its supporters within 36 hours, in order to comply with the Cycle Tour’s Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
And as two-thirds of the route runs through a National Park and World Heritage Site, the Plan also looks at every other environmental impact the Tour could have – from noise pollution, helicopter flight paths, fire risks, traffic management and structural safety on route, to ensuring that everybody working on the cycle route is properly briefed.
This multi-faceted Plan ensures that every measure is taken to take care of the environment and to ensure the safety of our cyclists, and makes the Cycle Tour one of the most environmentally friendly events in the country!
DID YOU KNOW: The Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour was the first cycling event in the world to incorporate a comprehensive EMP? Today, the International Cycling Union requires all events under its auspices to have a similar plan.
STASH YOUR TRASH
Cycling is generally considered to be one of the greenest sports around, and as the largest timed cycling race on earth, the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour is about to become greener with the launch of its new “Stash Your Trash” campaign!
As with any big sporting event, the Cycle Tour is faced with the ever increasing issue of litter. An estimated 70 000 energy gel sachets are dropped on the road during this annual event. This is further exacerbated by the hot summer sun and thousands of sets of wheels. Large percentages of these sachets unfortunately also end up in the hands of the Chacma Baboons, with potentially devastating effects on their well-being.
This new campaign is aimed at encouraging cyclists to hang onto their empty sachets and energy bar wrappers until they are able to deposit them in the designated “Stash Your Trash” bins. The bins will be placed in strategic spots at the end of the race. To encourage participation, cyclists will be eligible for lucky draw prizes at each of the participating events around the country. “Stash Your Trash” will be launched at the Alpha Pharm Seeding Series events of the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour in 2009.
Without exception, all the suppliers of energy gels and bars have endorsed and are fully supportive of this initiative. We look forward to your support, so ride safely and please don’t forget to “Stash Your Trash”.
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