The Coronation Double Century race will welcome top teams this year, such as defending champions Team Giant Durbanville A who have thrown down the gauntlet to rivals.
“We are definitely planning on defending our title again this year,” said team captain, Hannes van der Walt.
“We’ve been putting in the hours and have done a few training rides together. With key riders like Johann Rabie and Christoff van Heerden, we’re hoping to finish the route in five hours and 15 minutes.”
But Team Giant Durbanville A will have its work cut out on the 202km course, which starts and finishes in Swellendam on November 22.
A formidable challenge is likely from two teams put together by UK-based events company, HotChillee.
Ben Swift, a member of Team Sky and who rode the Double Century for the first time last year, will be back with local development rider, Nicholas Dlamini in the HotChillee squad.
“We’ve managed to convince some top European pros to join us this year, and with the likes of Team Bulls riders Stefan Sahm and Simon Stiebjahn both our teams are going for podium finishes,” said team captain Craig Edwards.
Another top rider joining the HotChillee line-up is Shameeg Salie, winner of the PPA OneTonner last month.
In the women’s category, Team Velocity Sports Lab Ladies will be aiming to repeat their comfortable 2013 success.
“While the team has remained predominantly the same as last year, there are one or two new riders who have joined us. Our biggest concerns are definitely the first few kilometers, when the group is still trying to settle in, and the last 20km, when we’re tired and heading towards the finish line,” said team captain Mariam Stronkhorst.