I n a world first, the Cape Town Cycle Tour will be inviting between 1 500 and 2000 of this year’s entrants to a free melanoma screening, conducted by dermatologists at the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour Lifecycle Expo.
“In 2024, the cycling community lost a dear friend, Tim Brink, to cancer. His battle began with a melanoma, which was only diagnosed after it had spread to surrounding areas. Tim was a celebrated journalist and accomplished cyclist, and this initiative, which we hope to extend in coming years, is a celebration of a great man, and a potentially life-saving intervention for event participants.” Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust Director, David Bellairs said.
Presented by Clicks, and with the support of Eucerin, La Roche- Posay, Bioderma, Dermalogica, Cipla and ISDIN, the melanoma screening will take place at the event’s Expo venue. All entrants will be invited, via email, to fill in a questionnaire which will indicate the most AT-RISK participants best suited to the screening.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Cape Town Cycle Tour in launching this inaugural melanoma testing initiative. At Clicks, we believe that taking control of your health starts with knowledge and proactive care. This collaboration is a powerful way to empower cyclists and the wider community to prioritise their health, and we are proud to support such an important cause. As always, we encourage everyone to Choose Your Health - because early detection can make all the difference.” Expressed Dr Melanie van Rooy, Chief Marketing Officer Clicks Group.
Cyclists are particularly at risk of developing skin cancer due to a combination of factors related to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV).
“Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, but it offers a unique advantage: It is one of the few cancers that we can see. Spotting it early, before it spreads, dramatically boosts survival rates and makes treatment far more effective. With skin cancer there is no excuse to miss what is in plain sight.” Explains Dr Michael Mol.
The initiative is spear-headed by Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, renowned Cape Town dermatologist, Dr Dagmar Whitaker and Healthspan Physician Dr Michael Mol.
“This initiative is dedicated to the memory of Tim Brink, beloved editor of Bicycling Magazine and a respected figure in South Africa’s cycling community, whose battle with melanoma has become a powerful inspiration for us to take action and protect others. This is a movement that redefines how we tackle skin cancer prevention through public events.” Premier Alan Winde said.
The results of the melanoma screening will be shared directly with each participant, along with a grading that will determine their level of risk and urgency of care. Dr Whitaker has committed to fast-tracking the high-risk individuals to receive medical attention in their respective regions.
Cape Town Cycle Tour Lifecycle Expo
Date: 6 – 8 March 2025 | Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Supported by:
