The Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour is set to begin this weekend, it is the the largest timed cycling event in the world. Attracting up to 35 000 cyclists from around the world.

Based in Cape Town, the Cycle Tour is 109 km of some of the most scenic spots in the world. Starting in the City Centre, the route makes its way down the Blue Route leading into Simonstown then turning at Smitswinkel and heading back along the coastline before the steady climb up Chapmans Peak and finally the short, steep hill of Suikerbossie. The downhill to the finish in Green Point is a welcome respite for the weary cyclist.

Big news in the cycling world- for the first time ever, Lance Armstrong is set to compete in this year’s event. It was unfortunate however that his arrival to the Mother City was met with just a ‘tad’ bit of controversy. Apparently Lance landed in Cape Town International Airport on Monday evening but was refused entry to the country because his passport was full.

“Well, made it to Cape Town but can’t get in the country since my passport is full and there’s no room to stamp it. So…stuck,” he tweeted. Fortunately a short while later, Armstrong tweeted that he had finally been allowed to enter South Africa. “Well, made it in to SA. Not the friendliest welcome I’ve ever received but we’ve all seen immigration officers like that.”

Siobhan McCarthy, chief director of communication at home affairs, said visitors travelling to South Africa need to have at least two blank pages in their passport in order to be allowed entry to the country. “Airlines are supposed to check people’s passports before they leave for another country.” When asked what would happen if a person didn’t have the required blank pages in their passport, McCarthy said that a person would be refused entry to the country and would have to return to the country they came from.

Now obviously this did not happen to Lance, but I suppose being so famous with such a recognisably cute face, he doesn’t have to prove his identity, now does he?

Good luck to all the participants, especially one in particular, it was suppose to be Louise and Jeremy competing but because we have a pregnant snowflake on our hands, Mr Sanders will be going solo, good luck Jeremy, we are rooting for you!