The Old Mutual Wealth Double Century has been a staple on the South African cycling calendar since 1993. But it was cancelled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown regulations.
It’s back in 2022 and will take place on 26 November, taking on a new 202km route that starts and finishes in Swellendam.
The Double Century route
The Double Century has had many route variations during its existence, with the 2022 route being the 10th version. It starts and ends in Swellendam while also covering other areas of the district including Suurbraak, Tradouws Pass and Barrydale.
Furthermore, It takes in the sights of Bonnievale Montagu and Robertson among others towns. Additionally, the route constantly undulates and reaches a maximum height of 750m above sea level, on Tradouws Pass. There will also be a few refreshment stops along the route where riders can grab a water or coke.
There will also be a neutral zone between Ashton and Montagu due to roadworks, and two team support zones. At these support zones riders can stop to top up on nutrition and sort out mechanicals. Rider will not lose time at these stops, with their race time being paused for up to 60 minutes at the first stop, and 30 minutes at the second.
How the race and team classifications work
The double Century race is a team event with four different team categories. The open team category is for teams that consist of all conventional riders ie. men, women, seniors etc. Then there is the women’s category, where all team members must be females.
Additionally there is the mixed teams category, but to qualify as such racers need to in turn have men and women, but to be classified in this catefory at least three women must finish in the first six riders of the team. Finally, there is the tandem teams category, where all bikes must be tandems. If the required criteria for the mixed and the tandem teams isn’t met, the team will be categorised as open.
Staying in Swellendam
Most racers will want to stay in Swellendam overnight to be fresh and ready for the hours they’re going to spend in the saddle. Luckily, there are plenty of places to stay and even make a weekend of their time in town.
Some places to stay in Swellendam, include Lantern Self Catering Cottages, and Augusta De Mist among many others. More self-catering accommodation options in Swellendam are also available.
Entering the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century
Online entries will open soon, to find out when this happens keep an eye on the Double Century Facebook page. Riders can also join the Double Century Strava club where they can find training routes and compare their training times to other DC riders on these routes.
Contact: Old Mutual Wealth Double Century
Tel: 087 820 7223
Email: info@doublecentury.co.za
Website
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We aim to showcase the amazing accommodation, restaurants, and events in Swellendam and surrounding areas. If you think we’ve missed something, or want your own establishment featured, drop us a line on our Facebook Page.
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