The 12-man Active Bodies team who defended their Double Century title last year are aiming to make it a hat trick when they line up in Swellendam on Saturday.
The team to take on the 202km cycle race comprises David Maree, Steven van Heerden, Dylan Girdlestone, Alex Worsdale, Willie Smit, Nico Bell, Matt Beers, Clint Hendricks, Jayde Julius, Kent Main, Morne van Niekerk and Chris Jooste.
They will also have two injured riders from last year – Bradley Potgieter and Gustav Basson – in the car for support.
The Active Bodies team are aiming to make it a hat trick when they line up at the Double Century in Swellendam on Saturday. Photo: Twitter/TheCoronationDC
“We would like to win again and we always aim for the record time also,” said Maree, who placed third in last weekend’s 947 Ride Joburg.
“Double Century is quite different to any other race and it’s very much a team event. You need 12 strong riders to win and I believe we have that.”
Regarding team tactics and strategies, Maree said they did not want to give too much way.
“It is basically going hard from kilometre zero and stopping once you are over the finish line – and also be ready for a lot of pain.”
Maree said they did not really have specific roles for each rider. They just needed the fastest times from their first six.
“We’ll try and stick together till the last stage. You need as many guys as possible.”
Maree felt the biggest challenge would be the many hills along the route.
“They’re always hard, but the last stage is super hard.”
As to their main competition, Maree said Alfa Bodyworks had a good team but he did not think they would beat them.
“We start three minutes behind them, so we need to catch them in the first 100km, then it’s a lot easier.”
Maree, who has won the event twice so far, participates every year but does not feel it is a major focus for him.
“Most of us just carry our form from 947 for an extra week and do the race for charities.
“It’s always good to give back after your season is done.”
