FROM CAIRO TO CAPETOWN
On January 17th, 2004, in the gentle mist of the African dawn, a group of intrepid and strong-willed men and women will begin a journey of both body and soul as they pedal towards a bold new frontier of cycling adventure.
Welcome to the second annual Tour d'Afrique, a 10,500-kilometer (6,600-mile) bicycle expedition across the world's most exotic and alluring continent.
The Cairo to Cape Town route will challenge you physically and mentally like no other - and reward you as you have never been rewarded before, with scenes of unsurpassed splendor and an incomparable feeling of accomplishment.
The mandate is threefold: first, to create an athletic event for both amateurs and professionals; second, to foster international goodwill; and third, raise funds to promote environmental, ecological and educational charities throughout Africa.
TRAVELS AND TRIBULATIONS
World-class racers will start each day at sunrise for a day of teeth-gritting physical and
mental challenge. Expedition riders will cycle at their own pace, testing themselves against the rugged terrain and the most extreme elements.
You will travel through 10 countries in all, cycling past ancient temples, through game reserves teeming with wildlife, across the foothills of legendary Mount Kilimanjaro, alongside the rugged and biblical landscape of Ethiopia's Simians Mountains, and the edge of Botswana's magnificent Kalahari. (See Route).
While mountain bikes are ideal for traveling the terrain, the event is open to any human-powered vehicle. The Tour d'Afrique will promote human-powered transportation and a healthier environment.
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FACTS AND FIGURES
The program features 100 cycling days, averaging 105 km (66 miles) each, broken up by 20 rest days and sightseeing. Support trucks will collect and pack equipment and travel ahead to set up camp.
Individual entry fees is $8,000 U.S, which will cover your basic needs throughout the tour. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Africa.
Those who complete the event will savour the triumph of conquering the longest and most difficult bike race in the history of sport. Commemorative festivities, special medals and rings await victorious cyclists. We look forward to celebrating with you.
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PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY
There are four types of participants:
1. Racers: open to individuals who plan to go all the way.
2. Leisure riders: will cover the distance at his/her or a group pace.
3. Relay teams: 'corporate' or 'club' teams where each team member races a section of the trip and passes the "baton" to his teammate at predetermined stops.
4. Sectional riders: will ride a section of the trip.
The Africa Bike Race and expedition are open to any individuals over the age 18 able to provide evidence of current medical examination. Individuals under 18 must provide release from their legal guardian in order to partake. No one under 16 years of age is eligible
Tour d Afrique
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