KNYSNA NEWS - More than 2 000 cyclists from across South Africa took to the roads and trails of Knysna as the 2026 Knysna Cycle Tour delivered fresh challenges, spectacular scenery and thrilling racing during the Knysna Oyster Festival of the past weekend.
The participants embraced redesigned road routes and demanding mountain bike trails, and the organisers earned praise for introducing new features that showcased the Garden Route's natural beauty.
Mountain bikers tackled steep climbs and rugged gravel tracks, and the iconic Simola Hill provided one of the race's early highlights. The road cyclists enjoyed a revamped course that included scenic views along Buffalo Bay before the 102km race headed towards Barrington, where they faced a challenging climb that tested both endurance and strategy.
The event also strengthened its community focus through a partnership with Fraaisig Secondary School, which hosted a fun cycle/run/walk on Saturday morning. The initiative attracted many first-time participants and added to the festival atmosphere.
The riders were welcomed across the finish line at the Knysna Oyster Festival grounds, where the prize-giving and celebrations capped another successful edition of the event.
On the road, William Piat claimed victory in the 67km race, edging out Christiaan Klopper and Bradley Gouveris in a sprint finish after all three riders crossed the line within a second of each other. Catalina Rose Lamers was the first woman home in the event.
The prestigious 102km road race was won by Darren Zurnamer, who narrowly beat Pieter Gildenhuys, and Zach de Kock completed the podium. Anna Haw claimed the women's title ahead of Kelly Freeth and Summer Gaylard.
In the 42km road race, Siphosihle Lucas crossed the line first ahead of Jandre van Lill and Luke Phillips.
The mountain bike events also produced competitive racing. Johann Annandale Prinsloo claimed victory in the 67km MTB race ahead of Jaco Scholtz and Spencer Johnson, while Ulf Brinkmann won the 45km MTB event, followed by Mark Strobos and Christopher Castle.
The organisers thanked the event's sponsors, volunteers, the local community and the participants for helping to make the 2026 Knysna Cycle Tour another resounding success and one of the standout sporting events of this year's Knysna Oyster Festival.
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