If you ride an e-bike and have been looking for a proper event that welcomes you properly, the Power 99er Cycle Tour is the one to put on your calendar. Now in its 28th year, this well-established Western Cape cycling event takes place on Saturday 13 February 2027 at the Durbanville Sports Complex. It draws nearly 5,000 riders each year and has grown into the second-largest cycling event in the province.
The Power 99er Cycle Tour, organised by El Shaddai Christian School in Durbanville and held in association with Tygerberg 104FM, is built around the idea of being the most inclusive cycling event in the region. That includes riders on electric bikes. The organisers make it clear on the website: e-bike entries are welcome on all distances. When you enter, simply select the E-Bike category.
Why the 99er Works So Well for E-Bike Riders
Many e-bike riders want the atmosphere of a big organised event without feeling like an afterthought. The 99er gives you exactly that. You share the same start, the same support, the same scenic routes through the Durbanville wine valleys and surrounding farmlands, and the same finish-line buzz as everyone else. The difference is that you get a little help on the hills while still doing the pedalling yourself.
The routes themselves suit assisted riding well. You get a mix of rolling hills, smoother stretches and the occasional punchy climb, all set against vineyards, farmlands and open views. Whether you prefer to cruise and enjoy the scenery or push a harder effort with the motor helping on the steeper sections, there is a distance that fits.
Choose Your Distance
The 99er offers four options so you can match the day to your fitness and preference:
- 45 km road – A more relaxed option with gentler climbs. Ideal if you want to enjoy the countryside without a long day in the saddle. Total ascent is around 413 m.
- 76 km road – A solid middle distance that mixes urban edges with rolling farm roads and vineyard views. Expect roughly 744 m of climbing.
- 95 km road – The classic longer road route. It includes punchy climbs, sweeping views and a finish that takes you past Diemersdal Wine Estate before the run-in on Koeberg Road. Total ascent is approximately 795 m.
- 80 km Trilogy Challenge – The mixed-surface option. This one combines tar, gravel, jeep track and some single-track sections. It starts with the “Grand Prix Hill”, moves onto gravel around the 26 km mark and includes technical bits such as the A-frames on Klipheuwel. It is the more adventurous choice for riders who like variety under the wheels.
All routes start and finish at the Durbanville Sports Complex. Hydration points are set out along the way, and the event is known for solid organisation and a strong volunteer presence (more than 350 people help on the day, many of them parents, staff, pupils and alumni of the host school).
Important Rules for E-Bike Riders
The 99er follows clear standards so the event stays fair and safe for everyone. Here are the key points taken from the official rules:
- An e-bike is defined as a bicycle with two energy sources: human pedal power and an electric motor that only assists when you are pedalling.
- Motor power must not exceed a continuous rated output of 250 watts.
- Assistance must cut out at 25 km/h.
- Bikes should meet the European standard EN15194.
- Battery capacity is limited to a maximum of 750 Wh. You may use only one battery for the race and cannot change batteries during the event.
- E-bike riders are not eligible for prizes or for official seeding (including seeding for the Cape Town Cycle Tour). Results will clearly mark entries as E-Bike.
- Technical inspections may take place.
These rules keep the event aligned with recognised standards while still making it accessible. If your bike meets the criteria, you are good to go.
More Than Just a Race
The 99er is also the main fundraising initiative for El Shaddai Christian School. Every entry helps support the school, and the day itself has a strong community feel. Riders of all backgrounds and abilities share the roads, the water points and the post-finish atmosphere. It is organised with care for cyclists, sponsors and the wider community, and the mission is straightforward: to be the most inclusive event in the region while aiming to be the best-organised one.
Early bird entries are open now. Fees for the different distances start from R380 for the 45 km option during the early-bird window (non-Cycling SA day licences are available separately). Number collection takes place on the Thursday and Friday before the race, and late entries are accepted only if capacity remains.
Ready to Join?
If you ride an e-bike and want a well-run event with proper support, scenic Western Cape routes and a genuine community atmosphere, the Power 99er Cycle Tour is worth entering. Head to 99er.co.za, choose your distance, select the E-Bike category when you register, and secure your spot while early-bird pricing lasts.
The wine valleys, the farmlands and nearly 5,000 other riders will be waiting on 13 February. Come and ride with us.
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