As the Cape Town Cycle Tour approaches, one rider is turning every kilometre into support for animals on their path to finding safe, permanent homes.
Cape Town, South Africa (28 January 2026) – With the Cape Town Cycle Tour fast approaching, the build-up isn’t just about training schedules or the race-day strategy. Every year, the event brings with it stories of riders who line up not only to test themselves, but to ride for something bigger than the finish line.
One of those riders is Charl Marais, who will be taking on the 109-kilometre route this year as part of Team SPCA, using the iconic cycle to turn physical endurance into tangible impact for animals in need.
At the SPCA, animals often arrive frightened, injured or unwell, and require time, medical care, behavioural support and careful placement before they can safely move into forever homes. Charl’s Cycle Tour ride is aimed at helping bridge that gap.
Although this will be his first time riding the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Charl’s relationship with cycling has been years in the making. What began as a practical shift in routine following a car accident gradually evolved into a disciplined and meaningful part of his life. While the accident left no lasting physical injuries, it did spark a change in perspective, leading him to commit to cycling in a way he had long considered but never fully embraced.
That commitment has now come full circle, bringing him to one of South Africa’s most iconic sporting events.
“I’m riding with the hope that every kilometre I pedal brings an animal closer to a happy home. My own cats, Storm and Neptune (both rescues themselves) will be cheering me on!”
Riding for the SPCA is especially significant. Charl’s connection to animal welfare has grown over time, shaped by firsthand exposure to the realities faced by abandoned, neglected and abused animals. Supporting the organisation through Team SPCA allows him to contribute directly to ensuring animals are not only rescued, but properly prepared for lasting, successful adoptions.
Together with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Team SPCA is working towards a fundraising target of R500,000. That amount would cover the full preparation of 70 animals for rehoming, including veterinary checks, vaccinations, grooming, behavioural support, daily care, sanitation, and ongoing post-adoption follow-ups to ensure placements remain stable and safe.
Every rider on Team SPCA commits to raising a minimum of R3,000, but the real impact comes from going beyond that baseline. Charl is already close to reaching his individual target, and every additional contribution brings the collective goal closer.
As the Cycle Tour draws closer, Charl’s ride reminds us that big sporting moments can carry something bigger than us and bigger than our own desires.
If you would like to support Charl in closing the final stretch of his fundraising journey, you can follow the link here.
by 