With 24 Double Century races to his name, Johann le Roux knows exactly how to approach the 202km event and he was keen to give some tips on how to best ride it.
Le Roux, the only cyclist to have competed in every edition of the team time-trial, outlined the key points to be considered by those setting out from Swellendam in the Western Cape this weekend.
For the Worcester resident, who rides for Hermanus Bakgat Buco, the focus has always been on teamwork and therefore the arrangement of the bunch is important to getting the team over the line.
Instead of leaving the weaker riders to follow at the back, they were better positioned mid-bunch, where they could ride slip and not get left behind, he explained.
According to Double Century legend Johann le Roux, pace is key to riding a good race. Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
Le Roux, who has captained a number of teams over the years, said he often brought up the rear to monitor the struggling members and gauge how they were handling the pace.
To judge what a manageable speed was for everyone, it was crucial to know where everyone’s strengths lay, he said.
“I always say the race only starts about 50km from the finish. So you need to ride a decent, steady pace that your weakest rider can maintain.
“If they feel comfortable at that pace you know you’ll have some extra horsepower from the stronger riders towards the finish, when your weaker riders can just maintain a pace.”
The more competitive teams, he said, may have a slightly different approach.
“I think the racing guys will be looking to maintain an above average pace and most likely will adapt a strategy where they’re happy to drop three or four guys.”
Gearing was another factor that needed some thought, said the 45-year-old. Many riders tended to favour more powerful gears, but that could cost them the race, he said.
“Power is not your friend in these long endurance rides. On the downhills you can gear down and go for the stronger or heavier gears, but I would use a light gear with high cadence and stay away from power.”
There are a few points along the route where it is important to conserve energy. Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
No stranger to the Double Century route, which has changed numerous times during the 24 years, Le Roux said there were a few key areas where participants should be careful not to get too caught up in the racing.
The first steep climb of the day could catch out many riders as they crested the hill and raced to the bottom, he added.
Conserving energy and maintaining a steady pace to get through the tough, final stretch from the last water point are important to get to the finish.
“Sometimes the guys feel good and they start too fast, but if you ride 10 per cent too hard in the early stage it will catch up with you towards the last 50km.”
Another important fact to consider is hydration. It is easy to get caught up in the racing and forget to hydrate and eat.
“A lot of the groups start quite early when it’s cool, so they don’t hydrate. Even if you feel you don’t need to drink, you need to hydrate and eat from kilometre one.”
More information regarding the race, including route details and road closures, can be found here.
