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Thirty cyclists were stung by a swarm of bees while competing in a race in Oudtshoorn on Monday.
Emergency services spokeswoman Keri Davids said seven cyclists unknowingly disturbed a hive while on an off-road section of the Cape Pioneer cycling race.
Nine were rushed to hospital for treatment at the Medi Clinic in Oudtshoorn.
Davids said race organisers diverted the remaining racers to another route, but not before a team of six accidentally passed the hive and were attacked. They were also taken to hospital.
Twelve of the injured were locals, and one a Belgian.
