May 15, 2006 — Tour d’Afrique, the annual 12 000-kilometer trans continental bicycle race/expedition from Cairo to Cape Town, billed as the most gruelling bicycle race on earth, crossed the official finish line yesterday in Cape Town, South Africa.

The cyclists, representing 12 countries in all, rode into the V&A Waterfront to the applause of hundreds of supporters.

In the men’s race, Matthew Caretti (USA) came in as the winner, with George Oertel (South Africa) and Urs Luethi (Switzerland) in second and third positions.

Joan Louwrens (South Africa) was the winner in the lady’s race, with Phillipa Le Roux (South Africa) and Christa Meier (Switzerland) in second and third positions.

Monty Orr (7th) was the top Canadian in the men’s race, and Geraldine Paques (5th) was the top Canadian in the lady’s race.

Amidst drumming and dancing by local Cape Town performers, the cyclists were applauded and welcomed by Capetonians and Consul Generals of various countries at an Arrival Ceremony at the Amphitheatre.

The day ended with an Awards Dinner and slide show of the journey.

Registration for Tour d’Afrique 2007 has opened. For cyclists considering participating in next year’s Tour, an Information Evening will be held on Wednesday 17th May at 18:30 at Breakwater Lodge — Lecture Theatre 4.

Official race results, finish line photos, and more will be available soon on our website. Visit www.tourdafrique.com

(Inset/attached picture shows all the Canadian participants. Taken by Theresa Brown at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, May 13, 2006)