Airport ready for cycling influx

South Africa's airports are reportedly ready for the 76,000 cyclists expected for this Sunday's Pick 'n Pay Cycle tour in Cape Town.

A spokesman from the airport company said that extra facilities and staff will be laid on to help with the expected influx of visitors for the world's biggest timed cycle event.

Solomon Magkale of South Africa's airport company said: "We are readying ourselves to work together with the airlines and other service providers to ensure hassle free travel arrangements." Over 10,000 cyclists are expected at Cape Town airport, while Johannesburg is also bringing in extra handling staff for those using its airport to get to and from the event.

This weekend is described as "one of the busiest in the year for air travel" with visitors also expected for the Cape Town festival that is currently going on.

The festival lasts until the 26th of this month and it is likely that many of the visitors for the cycling race will stay to see the free events and other attractions in the city.

Cape Town is South Africa's most popular city for tourists, with nearby Table Mountain and Boulders Beach amongst its attractions to tempt race entrants once the competition is over.

Cyclists of all abilities are welcomed to the tour which is set at 105 kilometres, taking in much of the local scenery.

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