Entry from £1400
CAPE ROULEUR
FULLY SUPPORTED CYCLING IN THE CAPE WINELANDS
2 - 7 March 2024
“The Cape Rouleur is the best event of its kind in the world”
Editor, Cycling Weekly
Fine wines, two wheels, and silky smooth closed roads … the Cape Rouleur is the fully-supported South African adventure holiday of a lifetime.
Based less than an hour from Cape Town in the picturesque town of Franschhoek, you’ll spend time exploring the Cape Winelands in the morning, relaxing pool-side in the afternoons before dinner at leisure with a glass of Merlot… or two.
Situated in the historic foothills of the Franschhoek Pass, rides from the Hotchillee event HQ will roll through areas of breathtaking natural beauty such as Paarl Mountain, the Perdeberg National Reserve or Betty’s Bay.
Cape Rouleur seamlessly blends pro-rider level supported cycling, with Michelin star gastronomy, fine wines and unrivalled support from the whole Hotchillee team.
As always, this event follows our signature format of FULLY CLOSED ROADS, with motorbike outriders, and support vehicles.
AT A GLANCE
- Fully supported group riding - medical and mechanical support
- Mornings on the bike - afternoons around the pool
- Evenings dining at leisure
- Cycle on closed roads to the Cape Town Waterfront finish
- Option of seeded entry to the Cape Town Cycle Tour
Price from
£1400
500KM
Distance
Fully
Supported
5
Days in saddle
5
Nights included
3
Fitness*
2
Experience*
*This is based on 1 being a beginner and 5 being an expert.
500KM
Distance
Fully supported
5
Days in the saddle
5
Nights included
3
Fitness*
2
Experience*
*This is based on 1 being a beginner and 5 benig an expert.
SPEAK TO OUR TEAM
If you have any questions or just need some advice why not book a call with one of our team members.
GRAVEL OPTION
COMING MARCH 2025
Starting in 2024 the Cape Rouleur will alternate between a road and gravel edition. The inaugural gravel event will take place in March 2025.
CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR
SEEDED ENTRY
10 MARCH 2024
Cape Rouleur riders now have the opportunity to join team Hotchillee and race this phenomenal closed roads event in the company of friends old and new. For many of our members, this is the highlight of their season.
This offer is exclusive to entrants of Cape Rouleur, and your sign up link can be accessed via the Hotchillee App.
These are international entries only and cost 1550ZAR (£76), if you are a South Africa national you can enter directly via the CTCT website.
Already registered for the Cape Rouleur? Make sure you’re logged in to see the “Book Cape Town Cycle Tour” entry link below.
THE HOTCHILLEE DIFFERENCE
You ride your bike, we take care of the rest.
On the bike, our outriders zoom ahead of the bunch, closing junctions to traffic so you can keep up your momentum.
Cruising behind the Hotchillee Ride Captains, you’ll fit right in to a group of riders that match your pace.
We want you to have a stress free experience, so we take care of everything whilst you’re on the road - mechanical support, medics on hand and even a sports therapist available to help you recover, after all … you’re on holiday!
ITINERARY
Check in is available for those staying at Event HQ, L’Ermitage from 15:00.
Today is entirely at leisure, although there will be mechanics on hand to help build your bike and Hotchillee crew to assist with check-in and answer any questions you may have.
09:00: Coffee ride - an unsupported leisurely 40km coffee ride
13:00 - 17:00: Sign On will be open from 13:00 - come and collect your rider packs
18:00: 7.6km sunset Prologue where you can pit yourself against the clock on this lung busting out-and-back to the dam. It’s just a bit of fun, and helps you decide where to ride on the next few days - the fast, medium or social group.
c.08:00 - Stage 1 TBC, average distances are 150km days
c.14:00 - Lunch on return
Afternoon around the pool
Dinner at leisure
c.08:00 - Stage 2 TBC, average distances are 150km days
c.14:00 - Lunch on return
Afternoon around the pool
Dinner at leisure
c.08:00 - Stage 3 TBC, average distances are 150km days
c.14:00 - Lunch on return
Afternoon around the pool
Celebration braai at event HQ
08:30 - Festival Ride
All groups ride as one from Franschhoek to the Cape Town Waterfront
Celebration finish for riders and non-riding partners.
Cape Town Cycle Tour - the biggest timed cycling event in the world.
Cape Rouleur riders have the option of seeded entry and VIP finish line hospitality. The icing on the cake following a dreamy week on the bike.
EXTENDING YOUR STAY
For anyone wishing to extend their stay, we’ve secured a special rate with a wonderful hotel. Southern Sun The Cullinan is superbly located right on the Cape Town Waterfront.
For more information and to apply the specially discounted rate, Cape Rouleur entrants can log into the Hotchillee App, where you’ll find a link in the #cape_rouleur channel.
SAFARI UPGRADE
WITH BONAMY TRAVEL
Make your Cape Rouleur trip even more memorable, and tick that safari off your bucket list with a superb safari upgrade package.
We’ve partnered with Bonamy Travel, the foremost experts in curating bespoke safari trips to suit your every need. From walking tours through game rich nature reserves, to safari drives and even open-door helicopter excursions, seeing Africa’s wildlife in their protected natural habitat is a genuinely life changing experience.
So why not extend your trip by a few days to make some memories that will stay with you forever?
route
Routes will be confirmed shortly - they will average 150km day.
TBC
TBC
TBC
The Festival Ride does exactly what is says on the tin! We ride as one peloton of 150 cyclists with rolling closed roads from Franschooek to the heart of the Cape Town Waterfront.
The Cape Rouleur has run since 2012. Since then we’ve ridden into Cape Town many different ways.
Sometimes hugging the coast line of False Bay, visiting our friends at Velokhaya Cycling Academy. Another riding over the iconic Chapman’s Peak. Others approaching from the Northern Suburbs with Table Mountain growing every closer on the horizon.
Cape Town - we can’t wait to be back and show you off!
PRICES
A limited number of Early Bird Hotchillee Premium Members can enjoy a £150 discount - find the coupon on members discounts group on the app, or here.
This discount expires on 8 November 2023 so now’s your chance!
Premium membership costs £8 a month with your first 30 days free. Click here for a full list of benefits.
ENTRY ONLY
From £1400
If you prefer to organise your own accommodation this package will suit you. With plenty of options available in Franschhoek you can choose from affordable to decadent and everything in between.
ENTRY ONLY
- 5-day event entry including rolling road closures, full medical, outrider and mechanical support
- Snacks on road and lunch after each ride
- Celebration Braai on Wednesday evening
- Drinks reception at finish in Cape Town
- Baggage transfer from Franschhoek to Cape Town on Thursday*
- Digital photos and film
- Event jersey
- Event t-shirt
- Option of seeded entry to the Cape Town Cycle Tour (additional cost)
Not included:
- Accommodation
- Breakfasts and evening meals
- Massages
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Insurance
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Franschhoek
*You will need to get your luggage to the Event HQ on Thursday morning if you wish to have it transferred to the finish in Cape Town.
ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES
Excellent 4-star apartments are available at the Event HQ based at L’Ermitage short walk from Franschhoek High Street.
TWIN ROOM (SHARING WITH ANOTHER RIDER) £1850
- 5-day event entry including rolling road closures, full medical, outrider and mechanical support
- 5 nights accommodation in a twin room at the 4* Event HQ including breakfast
- Snacks on road (Monday-Thursday)
- Lunch after ride (Monday - Wednesday)
- Celebration Braai on Wednesday evening
- Drinks reception at finish in Cape Town
- Baggage transfer from Franschhoek to Cape Town on Thursday*
- Digital photos and film
- Event jersey
- Event t-shirt
- Option of seeded entry to the Cape Town Cycle Tour (additional cost)
What’s NOT included:
- Evening meals
- Massages
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Insurance
- Flights
- Airport transfers
Price listed is per person
DOUBLE SUITE IN PRIVATE VILLA (SHARING WITH ANOTHER RIDER) £1950
- 5-day event entry including rolling road closures, full medical, outrider and mechanical support
- 5 nights accommodation in a double room at the 4* Event HQ including breakfast
- Snacks on road (Monday-Thursday)
- Lunch after ride (Monday - Wednesday)
- Celebration Braai on Wednesday evening
- Drinks reception at finish in Cape Town
- Baggage transfer from Franschhoek to Cape Town on Thursday*
- Digital photos and film
- Event jersey
- Event t-shirt
- Option of seeded entry to the Cape Town Cycle Tour (additional cost)
What’s NOT included:
- Evening meals
- Massages
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Insurance
- Flights
- Airport transfers
Price listed is per person
SINGLE ROOM £2250
- 5-day event entry including rolling road closures, full medical, outrider and mechanical support
- 5 nights accommodation in single room at the 4* Event HQ including breakfast
- Snacks on road (Monday-Thursday)
- Lunch after ride (Monday - Wednesday)
- Celebration Braai on Wednesday evening
- Drinks reception at finish in Cape Town
- Baggage transfer from Franschhoek to Cape Town on Thursday*
- Digital photos and film
- Event jersey
- Event t-shirt
- Option of seeded entry to the Cape Town Cycle Tour (additional cost)
What’s NOT included:
- Evening meals
- Massages
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Insurance
- Flights
- Airport transfers
Price listed is per person
DOUBLE ROOM (SHARING WITH YOUR NON-RIDING PARTNER) £2550
For you:
- 5-day event entry including rolling road closures, full medical, outrider and mechanical support
- 5 nights accommodation at the 4* Event HQ including breakfast
- Snacks on road (Monday-Thursday)
- Lunch after ride (Monday - Wednesday)
- Celebration Braai on Wednesday
- Baggage transfer from Franschhoek to Cape Town on Thursday
- Digital photos and film
- Event jersey
- Event t-shirt
- Option of seeded entry to the Cape Town Cycle Tour (additional cost)
For your non-riding partner:
- 5 nights accommodation at the 4* Event HQ including breakfast
- Lunch after ride (Monday - Wednesday)
- Celebration Braai on Wednesday
- Transport from Franschhoek to Cape Town on Thursday
- Drinks reception at finish in Cape Town
- Option of seeded entry to the Cape Town Cycle Tour (additional cost)
What’s NOT included for you or your non-riding partner:
- Evening meals
- Massages
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Insurance
- Flights
- Airport transfers
Price listed is per couple
GROUP ENTRY
If you are a group of 4 or more please email [email protected] so we can arrange a group registration code for you.
ACCOMMODATION
L’Ermitage Chateau and Villas
Our event HQ will be based at L’Ermitage Chateau and Villas, an exclusive country village on the slopes of the prestigious Fransche Hoek Estate, adjacent to Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and Haute Cabriére.
All event accommodation options are part of the event HQ and form part of the L’Ermitage estate.
MEDIA
Francis cade
Let's prepare together
From the point you register chat directly with fellow participants, the Hotchillee team, and industry experts on dedicated event groups on the Hotchillee companion app.
Faq
Yes, you can pay in full or with a £500 deposit followed by monthly instalments.
The event is restricted to roadworthy road bicycles or E-Bikes only. The ride takes place on tarred or cobbled roads.
Note that no bicycle is permitted to have unconventional handlebars including triathlon bars, aero bars, clip-ons, prayer bars, and cow bars.
You must be 18 years or older on 2nd March 2024.
If you are in doubt as to your fitness then we recommend you have a medical check-up before registering.
No, you will ride in a fully supported peloton with Hotchillee ride captains, and motorbike outriders leading the way.
All participants ride in supported speed groups. Riders are not permitted to ride on their own.
Each group rides as a peloton with motorbike outriders, mechanic’s van and rolling road closures with the Hotchillee ride captains in radio contact with the support vehicles to help ensure the safety of each group at all times.
Group 1: 28 - 30 km/h
Group 2: 25 - 27 km/h
Group 3: 22 -24 km/h
Yes, but be warned as it is Cycle Tour week you will need to get organised early! In Franschhoek there is Franschhoek Cycles, or John O’Connor in Cape Town.
All participants will be able to purchase guaranteed seeded entry to the 46th Cape Town Cycle Tour, the biggest timed bike race in the world, which takes place on Sunday 10 March. You do not need to enter the ballot but will be notified by Hotchillee when our entries are available.
Franschhoek is about 75km from Cape Town and in good traffic is a 45min drive. We recommend using Shuttle Up for transfers from the airport or central Cape Town for you and your bike.
You will be riding from Franschhoek back to Cape Town on Thursday 7th March. We will therefore transfer your luggage and bike box to the finish location in Cape Town for you.
Whilst you are riding back to Cape Town, we will provide a transfer for your non riding partner (if applicable).
Franschhoek is a perfect setting for all sorts of activities from mooching around the many boutiques and galleries, wine tasting (the wine tram is a must!), walking or just relaxing by the pool. More ideas can be found here. We can also arrange a morning social ride each day if there is enough interest.
You are in for a treat … Franschhoek has lots of fantastic restaurants to choose from. If going out in large groups we suggest you book ahead.
Hotchillee have a discounted rate at the Cullinan Hotel, please contact [email protected] for details.
If Hotchillee cancels the event for any reason not listed in the conditions of sale, your entry fee is fully refundable.
If the event is postponed due to COVID-19, your entry will automatically be transferred to the new date. If you can’t make the new dates, you’ll receive a credit to use against any other Hotchillee multi-day event. The credit expires on 1 March 2025.
If for any reason you need to cancel your entry there are several options available:
- You are able to nominate a substitute rider for your entry (up to 30 days before the event start date).
- You may defer your entry as a credit towards another Hotchillee event in the same or following calendar year (up to 12 weeks before the event start date).
- You are entitled to the following refund on your entry:
- 17 Weeks + before the Event start date: 66% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
- 13-16 weeks before the Event start date: 33% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
- 0-12 weeks before the Event start date: 0% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
- If you are not able to travel due to COVID-19 click here for our COVID-19 Guarantee
To cancel your entry, please contact [email protected]
If you are not able to travel due to COVID-19 click here for our COVID-19 Guarantee.
SPEAK TO OUR TEAM
If you have any questions or just need some advice why not book a call with one of our team members.
OFFICIAL CHARITIES
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