CTCT 2018: 5 heart attacks on race day, one fatal

12 March 2018 1:58 PM

Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust David Bellairs spoke to 702/CapeTalk's Ray White to describe the tragedy that happened on Sunday during the race.

Bellairs confirmed that three people tragically died on Sunday.

Read: CT Cycle Tour organisers deeply saddened by deaths of two participants

The first death occurred during a multiple bicycle pile up on the M3.

There was a large crowd heading down the M3 South bound. One can assume there was some touching of wheels and the riders came down.
— David Bellairs, Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust

A very unfortunate incident, an accident clearly and very sad that somebody lost their life like that.
— David Bellairs, Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust

Another cyclist died of a heart attack.

We had a total of five heart attacks on the day and the others were resuscitated. This gentleman was on Smitswinkel heading towards Cape Point gate. they did attempt to resuscitate him for a good while but unfortunately, he succumbed.
— David Bellairs, Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust

Bellairs says the participants are given forms to complete prior the race, in which they are asked about their medical conditions, but he says sometimes those who assume they are perfectly fit can suffer heart attacks.

When going through the forms the organisers identify high-risk patients and the medical team stays in contact and advises them to seek further medical advice before they participate in the race.

He says in his 28 years of working on the Cycle Tour, there have been only 2 trauma-related deaths on the day of the race.

A third person, who was marshalling on the day, also died.

To hear the rest of the interview with Cycle Tour organiser, David Bellairs, listen below:

This article first appeared on 702 : CTCT 2018: 5 heart attacks on race day, one fatal

Written by: Lengwadishang Ramphele