Entries for the Maluti Double90 Team Challenge open this Wednesday, Wednesday 9 March 2016, at 13h00.
Twenty four years ago, the Pedal Power Association organised the “Double Century” over 200 km for the very first time. Over the years, the venue and route changed from time to time, but the concept of a 12-rider team time trial over roughly 200 km remained the same.
The event became more and more popular, with team entries in 2015 selling out in just 13 minutes.
Since 1993, the event has only ever been held in the Western Cape, with teams travelling from all corners of South Africa to participate.
That is, until 2016.
Several route and venue options were investigated, with the Eastern Free State town of Clarens emerging as the ideal host for the new event.
Located in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains and slotted between the Golden Gate National Park and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, Clarens is known as the “Jewel of the Free State” and is the undisputed tourist magnet in this part of the country.
Clarens is roughly equidistant from Bloemfontein and Johannesburg (both some 3 hours normal travel time away), with Durban being 4 hours normal travel time away.
In 2016, only 120 teams will be accepted. As for the Coronation Double Century, teams can field up to 12 riders, with the time of the 6th rider counting as the team’s official time. Participants must be 18 or older.
Entries will cost R6500 per team and will be available online only. Entries will close as soon as the 120 available team spots have been filled or on 20 April, whichever comes first.
A tough endurance event, the Maluti Double90 is about team spirit and camaraderie, the aim being for the team to finish as a whole. It is not an easy ride and teams are encouraged to put in the training miles, taking into consideration the average altitude of roughly 1900m and elevation gain of over 2200m for the event.
EVENT INFO AT A GLANCE:
- Saturday 7 May 2016
- 180 km
- 120 teams
- 12 riders per team (the time of the 6th rider will count as the team’s time)
- R6 500 per team
- Open, mixed and all-female teams
- Elevation gain over the 180 km: 2220m
- Steepest gradient is the ‘Mine Shaft’ at 22% (roughly at the 155km mark)
- Entries open 9 March 2016 at 13h00
See the event website for more details and to enter: www.malutidouble90.co.za
For more information, email Liandri on bloem@pedalpower.org.za or phone Karin or Wendy on (021) 671-6340.
It was honestly very tough for me (I in general HATE hills, although I don't voice this on rides....hahaha...*Best riding partners don't moan on rides, right? They bring their sparkling personality with* 
)
Some long but gradual climbs.
Nice report - looking forward to riding/racing it.