![\"ccs-2-0-96291600-1425808367.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-96291600-1425808367.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nNolan Hoffman wins the 2015 Cape Town Cycle Tour. \/ Image Credit: Greg Beadle\/Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust<\/span><\/p>\n Men\u2019s elite podium (l-r): Brenton Jones (3rd), Nolan Hoffman (1st) and Tyler Day (2nd) \/ Image Credit: Greg Beadle\/Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust<\/span><\/p>\n Thousands of riders dressed in red to support those affected by the tragic fires burning on the mountains around Cape Town over the past week. The shortened circular route was a celebration of Cape Town\u2019s fighting spirit and a salute to the Volunteer Wildfire Services, Sanparks Fire Fighting initiatives and other volunteers for their heroic efforts.<\/p>\n Crossing the line in an intense sprint, Hoffman held off stiff competition from silver medallist, Tyler Day (Team Westvaal) and third placed, Brenton Jones (Team Drapac). International professional cyclists, Team Etixx-Quick Step\u2019s Mark Cavendish and main lead-out man, Mark Renshaw, competing in their first South African race, could not outsprint Hoffman.<\/p>\n Clocking speeds up to 74km\/h, the leading peloton raced down the M3 in good weather conditions. With 10km to go, Team Biogen\u2019s Kevin Evans went on the attack, establishing an eight second lead ahead of the elite men\u2019s peloton. The field chased him down, and caught him with 5km to go, allowing Hoffman the chance to break away at the end and cross the line first.<\/p>\n Ecstatic to hold off competition from top international and local riders to secure his second consecutive Cycle Tour win, Hoffman praised his \u201cflawless\u201d team. \u201cThe week before the race we dissected every kilometre from Hospital Bend so that we were well prepared. Today we bided our time and stayed close to the front throughout the entire route,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was only 47km, but it was the hardest 47km. There was no place to recover, and before I knew it, there was another hill. The downhills were fast, and I was really concerned about Hospital Bend because I knew it was going to make for a really fast finish. I\u2019m proud of the way the guys rode today \u2013 they stuck to the tactic and executed it to perfection. My teammates were fantastic.\u201d<\/p>\n Commenting on the Cavendish threat, Hoffman said, \u201cHe didn\u2019t come here with a full team, which definitely worked in our favour. With 500m to go I just put my head down and went as fast as I could. I am over the moon with my win today.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n