Team bizhub will treat Sunday’s Pick n Pay Cape Argus cycle tour as a lap of remembrance for the three cyclists that were killed when a bakkie crashed into them while training outside Oudtshoorn earlier this week.

In a statement released this morning, team owner John Robertson said the team would wear black armbands during the race to show their support to family and friends of the victims.

“Our deepest sympathy goes out to their loved ones. As fellow cyclists we are all part of an extended family and we share their grief.”

He added that Team bizhub also wanted to raise awareness of the fact that South African roads were becoming increasingly dangerous to cycle on.

“It is tragic that you have to take your life into your own hands every time you ride your bike. Something needs to be done – and quickly.”

Robertson said cyclists were at the mercy of the other road users and he called for harsher penalties where motorists were found guilty of manslaughter. “There needs to be more accountability.”

The victims – Frank Nel (60), Jan Eloff (72) and Magda van Lill (50) – were part of a group of 11 that was training for the Argus on the R62 between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp when the vehicle hit them head-on.