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Why the Coronation Double Century should be on any serious cyclist’s bucket list

· By Press Office · 0 comments

The Coronation Double Century has become an annual highlight on the national cycling calendar. As South Africa’s first long-distance, multi-team road cycling event, it has become so popular that it attracts a growing number of cyclists each year. This year was no different and the event was once again heavily oversubscribed, with entries selling out within minutes.

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For those of you who missed out on securing a spot, here’s why you should be setting your reminders for an early entry next year:

A true test of grit and endurance

The Coronation Double Century is the cycling equivalent of an ultra-marathon, and is often referred to as the ‘Comrades of the cycling community’. Spanning 202 kilometres with a total ascent of 2 100 metres – which includes the Tradouw Pass and Op de Tradouw, notorious even amongst seasoned participants – it is, to put it simply, not an easy race to finish. It takes months of solid training to prepare, and a steely resilience to see you over the finishing line. It is a worthy challenge for even the most experienced cyclists, and one that allows most to push towards new limits.

Enjoy some spectacular scenery along the way

The race starts and ends in Swellendam, one of South Africa’s oldest towns. Nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, the town is known as much for its historical significance as it is for the beauty of the surrounding landscape, and it has become a popular get-away for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. On setting off, the route will take you towards Barrydale and then along Route 62 towards Montagu. From there, you’ll pass through Ashton and Robertson before winding back down again to Swellendam. You’ll be treated to spectacular scenery and impressive mountain passes as you ride through one of South Africa’s celebrated wine-growing regions. In fact, many cyclists use the opportunity to experience more of this part of the country before or after the race.

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Your entry has an impact

Every year the Coronation Double Century gives back to communities in the Swellendam region. One of the key initiatives the race supports is the Coronation Double Century Kids Cycling Clinic, a two-day course run in collaboration with the local Community Action Partnership (CAP). It focuses on teaching under-privileged children from schools along the route how to improve their cycling and look after their bikes. It also has the additional benefit of promoting sound life skills, such as showing responsibility and engaging in healthy hobbies. The Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust (the race organiser) donates bicycles for the clinic and sponsors kit for the children. The children then form part of a cycling club that continues throughout the year.

In addition, CAP runs a number of social development initiatives within the Swellendam community. As naming sponsors, Coronation supports CAP’s youth counselling programme, which aims to assist youth in dealing with challenging life circumstances or events, social and behavioural problems, and substance abuse.

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On a personal note, it’s a race Coronation has been a proud partner to for the last decade

Coronation is thrilled to be a part of this exclusive race, as we have been since 2007. We believe that the success of the participating cyclists ultimately centres on a long-term commitment, collaboration and the pursuit of excellence – all of which are values we aspire to within our business.

We wish all of this year’s cyclists a successful and enjoyable ride. We also extend our gratitude to all support drivers, spectators and cyclists’ families and friends. Encouragement and support along the route is always appreciated, and contributes to ensuring a memorable experience. Finally, we hope that cyclists who have not yet experienced this extraordinary event will get the opportunity to do so in future.

To find out more about Coronation please visit www.BecauseItsYourMoney.com

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