Close the Gap – Double Century Cycle Race 2022

Often it takes several attempts to truly appreciate a race. Such was the impact of this year’s version of the Double Century team cycle event. After our disaster in 2012, our team enjoyed success in 2014 and each year thereafter. I was not a regular participant over the years, but this edition, my fourth, left an indelible mark. It stands, for me, as one of South Africa’s most iconic race and a race one must do, repeatedly.

The race starts and ends in the quiet but beautiful Western Cape town of Swellendam. It is the fifth oldest colonial town, set amidst the scenic Clock Peaks (1700m) which offers exciting hiking, trail running and mountain biking not forgetting the fauna and flora. The town itself has many restaurants and coffee shops. These are rarely on our itinerary as the race is our focus and self-catering the default option. This is mainly for convenience but also to consume delicious braai meat brought from Polokwane after the race.

Swellendam

The route passes through underappreciated towns like Suurbraak, Montague, Ashton, Barrydale, Robertson and Bonnievale. It meanders through roads lined with still blooming purple jacarandas and bright red hibiscus. Vineyards, canola fields and dairy farms whizz by as pelotons gather speed. The road construction of previous years is completed making the roads perfect for cycling. The race ascension is just over 2000m over the 202km route which includes the Tradouw Pass at the 30km mark, Op De Tradouw at 60km and the 3 sisters, brutal climbs coming after the 160km mark.

Alchemy A Team

There is always drama at the DC and this year was no exception. About 5 minutes after we left for the start, I discovered that I had forgotten to take my bottles, crucial for such a long ride. Panic stricken, I turned and raced to our accommodation to see our support vehicle driver pulling off. I chased him down all the while screaming for his attention which luckily he noticed. Valuable time was being lost. I collected my frozen bottles and luckily noticed we had forgotten to take our two bags of ice. I raced to the start by which time my team had started the race. Images of a lonely 202 km solo ride circled my head. Dazed, I paused to gather myself and contemplate an immediate strategy before taking off with the next group. I passed them and another group before I rode solo for the first 10km. It was going to be a long day.

Fortunately, the Alchemy B team picked me up and I rode with them until we reached my team at the 20km mark, who rode slower to give me time to catch up. The two teams rode as one group for most of the race. It is always a fantastic experience to ride with club members given the familiarity, banter, support, encouragement and general camaraderie.

People are interesting and a tour where you spend more time together enables uncharacteristic intimacy. In each trip you discover new things about people and sometimes much more about a few, especially if you travel together, share a room or hang around the braai. This trip was no exception as friendships deepen and understanding develops. And, if you honestly look in the mirror, you discover a lot more about yourself too. Such a long race exposes your weaknesses like no other and forces you to work to your strengths. Repeated participation gives you an underlying confidence and an ability to power through. This is necessary when weaknesses pop up when you least expect them.

Since we were only eleven rather than the twelve required, a double medal for finishing and finishing together was off the table. This changed our strategy to push on regardless as to who was struggling or had mechanicals. It made sense given the time we started (6:10) as we could finish earlier but especially given the number of teams that we passed and those that passed us. This meant you could always hop on to any of the teams/pelotons even if you were dropped.

We stayed together until the 60km mark but the 5km Op De Tradouw climb left some of us behind. We soon found strong pelotons that brought us in. Enroute few team members had punctures while others needed toilet stops but the main peloton continued. We regrouped at the 120km stop. One member of the team picked up an injury and could not continue. Ten we now were.

The second stage was comparatively flat but with a strong head wind. The group split with those riding stronger surging on. The undulating terrain required short and quick bursts to summit the small hills while the peloton provided good cover against the head wind. I somehow with gritted teeth hung onto the first group, encouraged by my team mates to close the gap. The second stop took a little longer as we waited for everyone, consumed refreshments, replenished our drinks and fixed another puncture.

The last stage was at once torturous but also relaxed as the end was near. Climbing the hills (three sisters) was brutal coming so late in the race while witnessing a fallen motor bike rider was unsettling. The last short climb to the finish required extra grit when most of the candles were burnt. But, what a race. The weather was mild unlike 2012 or 2021, the atmosphere electric like 2014 and the pelotons catered for all speeds. Perhaps, as individuals and as a team we have matured, more relaxed without the unnecessary anxiety of our first few attempts.

Memorable moments included engaging and taking pictures with Italian road cycling sensation Vincenzo (The Shark) Nibali. He boasts victories in most Grand Tours – Vuelta a Espana (2010), Giro d’Italia (2013, 2016) and  the Tour de France (2014). In his 27 Grand Tours he had 11 podium places and 16 top-ten results. This is his final year of professional cycling and what wonderful race for him to choose as one of his last.

The constant banter and camaraderie made for a fun experience. The cheering and support of families and children provided much inspiration. Crucially, all but one injured member successfully completed the race.

One cannot forget the whirring incessant ring of Adam’s jovial greeting of every team whether they acknowledged him or not. It was almost an ongoing greeting to his team mates. Abbas, the veteran, offered sage subtle advice like dropping a gear when you are so focused on trying to close the gap. Riaz, Adam and others powering up the hills comfortably passing others while pushing fellow members. I marvel at their strength. Arshad keeping the team focused and disciplined unless , of course, more interesting teams with ‘celebrities’ pass. While Isco, the Silent Assassin, finished the race with nobody including himself noticing.

Many enjoyed the customary massages after such a grueling day while the braai hit all the right culinary spots. We watched and celebrated the exciting Springbok win over England and later the less exciting Argentinian win over Mexico despite two great goals. Seems for once that the sporting weekend was aligned.

By 11, eyes were drooping and we were all ready to hit the sack for a well-deserved rest. The next morning some opted for a light morning run while most slept in. After a hearty breakfast we headed to Cape Town bidding farewell to a town we know we will visit again and a race etched into the fibre of our beings.