MATSIMELA MAKING THE CIRCLE BIGGER AT CYCLE TOUR
The striking yellow wave is unmissable at the start of the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
As the early morning light settles over the city and Table Mountain stands guard above the start line, a bold band of colour cuts through the nerves and anticipation.
KaboYellow. Bright. Defiant. Joyful. It is more than a jersey – it is a statement.
This is the Matsimela Ladies Clinic. And this year, they are riding to make the circle bigger at the Cycle Tour.
The yellow wave will be among around 30 000 cyclists who will be taking on the 48th Cape Town Cycle Tour on 8 March 2026.
The traditional 109km route will see the cyclists ride from the Grand Parade, circle the Cape Peninsula via Chapman’s Peak before finishing in the Green Point Precinct.
The shorter 42km route will take cyclists from the Grand Parade to Tokai via the M3 and finish on Riebeek Street in the CBD.
A movement in motion
What began in August 2020, in the middle of uncertainty and COVID-19 lockdown, has grown into a powerful cycling sisterhood spanning with over 200 members at 7 branches in 2 provinces.
Founded by Caroline Matsimela, the clinic was born from a simple but urgent idea.
“These women were stuck inside, and I wanted them to go outside and be healthy. We started with just two friends and now we have a full programme with over 200 women,” says Matsimela.
From three bikes and a shared dream to a structured, multi-branch initiative, Matsimela Ladies Clinic has become a space where African women of all ages learn to ride without fear — and with unwavering pride.
“We are all about teaching women to ride a bike from the ground up and empowering women. (Matsimela Ladies) come to the cycle tour not as individuals but as a sisterhood. We are about teamwork, having fun while cycling and supporting our own health and wellbeing.”
The Matsimela Ladies Clinic is also using its platform to drive awareness and raise funds in the fight against gender-based violence.
Each pedal stroke carries purpose. Each yellow jersey signals solidarity.
The slogan “Make the Circle Bigger” speaks to inclusion, inviting more women into spaces that once felt intimidating or inaccessible.
Preparing to change gears
For these women, the Cape Town Cycle Tour is not just a ride. It is a test of preparation, endurance and belief.
Over the last three months, Matsimela riders have been running structured cycling classes in build-up to the event.
They have covered everything from changing gears efficiently, bike control on cornering, bike maintenance and taking on solidarity rides to build endurance.
For some, this is their first major race. For others, it is a return — stronger, more skilled and more confident.
Caroline Matsimela herself only started cycling at the age of 37. Today, she leads from the front, proof that it is never too late to begin.
From Ride Joburg to the Mother City
She has led the group in a number of rides, and the numbers tell a story of growth, especially in 2025.
This includes picking up 85 medals at Ride Joburg and having 50 participants at last year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour.
This year, the circle expands again.
Their presence at the Cycle Tour represents more than participation. It represents access. Representation. Visibility.
The Cycle Tour is providing the Matsimela Ladies Clinic with 40 free entries for the 42km ride.
“For us as the Cycle Tour, getting more women into cycling is a big thing and to see the success of Matsimela Ladies is heartwarming,” says Cape Town Cycle Tour Director David Bellairs.
