Riders looking to tackle the 2015 Coronation Double Century team cycle race should diarise Tuesday, 21 July, when entries will open at 1pm.
The event takes place in Swellendam on Saturday, 21 November 2015 when 250 teams of up to 12 riders each will cycle 202km around the Overberg.
The 23rd Coronation Double Century will welcome back tenacious athletes who will be looking to break the five-hour mark to beat last year’s record time of 05:02:28.
David Bellairs, a director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust (CTCTT), says: “As last year’s entries sold out in 28 minutes, we encourage all prospective teams to be available as soon as the entry portal opens to secure their entries immediately and avoid disappointment.”
Teams can enter at www.coronationdc.co.za on Tuesday, 21 July at 1pm. Prospective riders should note that payment can only be made via credit card by means of the online portal.
The entry fee is R7 700.00 per team and entries will close when the 250 team limit is reached.
Riders interested in finding team members can make use of the online notice board at www.coronationdc.co.za/entry-info.
The organisers have urged potential entrants to follow the event’s social media platforms closely on the opening day. “Communication with entrants during the online entry phase will be done via Facebook and Twitter to ensure up-to-the-minute updates. We therefore encourage everyone looking to enter to like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CoronationDC) and to follow us on Twitter (@TheCoronationDC) for the latest updates regarding the number of entries remaining,” adds Bellairs.
Coronation Fund Managers senior portfolio manager, Neville Chester, says the independent investment business is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust and Pedal Power Association. “This is our ninth year as naming rights sponsor of this endurance team event and we are excited to again provide cyclists and spectators with a top-quality race. The Coronation Double Century requires great discipline, teamwork and determination, which resonates perfectly with our organisation’s culture and steadfast focus on delivering strong long-term investment performance.”
CTCTT operations director, Renée Jordaan says the organisers are closely monitoring the extensive road works in the Cogmanskloof area. While this has had an impact on logistical plans, this year’s route will follow the same challenging course as 2014. Riders will pass through the event’s key landmarks in Montagu, the Tradouw Pass, the Op De Tradouw stretch, and the demanding “three sisters”, before winding to a close at the Swellendam Show Grounds.
To ensure the safety of cyclists on the road, support vehicles will again not be permitted to follow their riders from Ashton. These vehicles will be detoured via an alternate route to Bonnievale where a Team Support Zone will be made available to teams. Jordaan explains: “This was beneficial to both riders and support vehicles in 2014, and we are looking forward to another successful and safe event this year.”
The Coronation Double Century is a Pedal Power Association event organised by the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust on their behalf. For event-related queries, please contact the Events Office on 087 820 7223 during office hours.
Like the Coronation Double Century Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CoronationDC, or follow @TheCoronationDC on Twitter for regular event updates.
"last year’s entries sold out in 28 minutes"
Sounds like a challenge.