Old Mutual Double Century

About the event

The Double Century is a team time trial: teams are seeded so that the slowest start first and the fastest last. The category (Open, Mixed, Women, Tandem) is determined only by the first six riders across the finish line; a team counts as Mixed if at least three women are among them. Teams that start and finish with all twelve riders, with the last rider finishing no more than ten minutes after the first, also receive the Charles Milner Medal. The cut-off in Swellendam is 4:30 pm, with staggered cut-offs along the route.

On several sections, for example the Tradouw and Cogmanskloof passes, traffic is temporarily closed or controlled. Ashton and Bonnievale have neutralised team support zones where the teams' own support vehicles resupply them; time spent there does not count. Each team must carry its own spares, and the mechanics on the route only provide basic assistance.

The first edition in 1993, with 385 starters, goes back to Stellenbosch wine farmer Charles Milner and his cycling friends. The event is owned by the Pedal Power Association and has been organised since 2007 by the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust. After several changes of venue, Swellendam is now start and finish; many participants have their bikes taken to the Show Grounds by transport companies.