Men of Action: Argus Cycle Tour 2012, Cape Town

This Sunday is the annual Argus Cycle Race, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.

This is a unique opportunity for cycles to come together and challenge themselves to compete in one f the world's largest sporting events. 31,000 cyclists are expected to take part and will each challenge themselves to finish the 109km which will take them through some of the Cape's most mesmerising scenery.

People from all walks of life have been training hard for the race. Each face is there for their own reasons, whether its for the exhilaration of the competition, a personal challenge, or to raise awareness for a cause close to their hearts. 

Rick Lawrence's team, 'Race for Rhinos' is taking action to raise money for the protection of rhinos from poaching in South Africa:

'Our bikes will be decorated and our tops will make us recognisable as the Race for the Rhino team. We have targeted finishing the race inside five hours and hope that people recognise the efforts of the riders and that give generously to this cause

They have already received a great deal of support from local businesses and have choses the Argus race as a springboard for growing support for the charity. Their project seeks to grow a sustainable habitat, where the critically endangered Black Rhino in KwaZulu-Natal, a province of South Africa. In this habitat, the animals will be able to roam freely and grow their numbers in safety. 

They will make up a significant portion of the race competitors, as Lawrence outlines:

'We have a team of 50 cyclists competing in the 2012 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, who are all riding to raise funds and try and make a difference'

Another competitor is Helen Harder, who is battling cancer. She was diagnosed in February 2011 and at last year's Argus Cycle Tour her boyfriend, Alwyn Badenhorst completed the race in honour of her. This year, she is planning to complete it with him. 

'I want to raise awareness, but also show the people what one can do while getting chemo... accept the challenges you get in your life and face them. That's what I'm doing'

Really inspiring. The Argus Cycle Tour is not just an environment to raise awareness, but also to test oneself. Although she's nervous, Helen is going into the race with a positive attitude:

'You have to react and adapt'

If you want to see the race route, a collaborative project has produced a video that take you along the route in just under ten minutes.

Made by Game On and Rockets Compression Sportswear, both based in South Africa, the video was made by driving the entire Argus Route and then editing the clip to speed up the footage. The route looks tough, but we're sure the atmosphere will be buzzing on March 11th when the competitors cycle the 109km route and wish them all the best of luck!