Behind every great race are the unsung heroes. From marshals to medics, venue hosts to volunteers — Swellendam showed up in full force for the 2025 Old Mutual Wealth Double Century.

Swellendam once again proved itself the heart of endurance cycling this past weekend, as the 2025 Old Mutual Wealth Double Century brought grit, triumph, and community spirit to our town. Despite searing heat and logistical challenges, the event was a resounding success, thanks to the sponsors, organisers, volunteers, and residents who stepped up to make it unforgettable.

Double Century: Precision, Passion, and Pedal Power

The early morning buzz at the Swellendam Showgrounds marked the start of one of South Africa’s most iconic endurance races — the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century. With over 200 km of road ahead, cyclists gathered in anticipation, framed by the mountains and the unmistakable energy of a town in motion.

Old Mutual Wealth Double Century is South Africa’s premier endurance road cycling event, organized by the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust in partnership with Pedal Power Association.

🔗 Official Event Website – doublecentury.co.za
🔗 Pedal Power Association – Event Pag

Swellendam Cycling Club

This is the local club who co-organized and controlled the DC route, marshals, and VOC operations. Behind the scenes, the Swellendam Cycling Club — in partnership with Cycle Tour — orchestrated the event with military precision. From route control to marshalling, their team ensured every detail was covered. On race day, 282 marshals were deployed across various roles, supported by a dedicated VOC team that included race officials, medical personnel, BMW support crews, health and safety officers, and timekeepers

Their efforts bring a much-needed annual boost to the local economy, and this year was no exception.

🔗 Swellendam Cycling Club – Pinkbike Directory

Rotary Club

While the Rotary Club of Swellendam played no role in route logistics, (as clarified following feedback from the organizing team) their contribution at the venue was invaluable, managing different stations in and around the Showground…

From 4am Rotary members and support staff from the community including teams from CAP were out on the roads in Swellendam, as Marshals. From the cleaning teams to packing and distributing the braai packs to teams, from welcoming in riders with medals and cold towels, to handing out the Cokes and free drinks and operating the bar, to feeding all volunteers and paid workers at the showground and not forgetting the photographers out on the route, the Rotary Club was there in support. Their presence helped create a welcoming and well-run base for riders and supporters alike. They are a small but mighty team and their anchor support at the venue was essential to the smooth running of the event.

15 project teams
140 employees from our community
25 Rotarians and Friends of Rotary … including teams from Rotary Club of Worcester and Rotary Club of Greyto

Race Day Atmosphere

The weather was hot and testing, with riders battling searing conditions across the Overberg route. From sunrise to sunset, more than 3,500 cyclists took on the challenge, cheered on by residents lining the streets and volunteers at every support zone. The smiles, exhaustion, and triumph painted a vivid picture of what this race means—not just to athletes, but to the community that rallies behind them.

Winners and Highlights

• Men’s Race: The Road Warriors claimed victory, led by Ryan Gibbons, Sascha Weber, Lukas Baum, Gustav Basson, Stefan de Bod, Willie Smit, and Callum Ormiston. Their blistering pace left defending champions RH77 Factory trailing by nearly three minutes.
• Women’s Race: The Chalk Air WC CMC team secured their first-ever title, digging deep on the climbs to hold off Nana Cycling Club and ASAP Ladies.
• Mixed Category: Defending champions ChemChamp Pro-Mixed overcame even four punctures to retain their crown.
• Kings of the Atlantic Seaboard: In a lighthearted but fiercely contested “race within the race,” La Perla Classic took the crown—complete with inflatable crowns on the podium, sparking playful banter that will carry into 2026.

Community Spirit and Challenges

While the race injected energy and funds into Swellendam, it also highlighted gaps in local tourism infrastructure. Several guesthouses and restaurants experienced double bookings, leaving visitors scrambling. Yet, in true Swellendam spirit, residents opened their homes to ensure everyone had a bed. This generosity saved the day, but it underscored the need for a centralized tourism registry—something our town once had, and should consider reinstating if we want to maximize the economic benefits of events like the Double Century.

It’s more than a race

The Double Century is more than a race—it’s a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and community pride. From the Cycling and Rotary Club’s tireless work to the cyclists’ determination and the townspeople’s hospitality, Swellendam showed once again why it is the perfect host for South Africa’s premier endurance cycling event.

MORE UNSUNG HEROES!

Pedal Power Association

Bike4All who handed over ten bikes to the local Swellendam Neighbourhood Watch for patrols. “We are proud to support the Swellendam community who once again, hosted this incredible event. Well done to all the teams who finished this iconic race.”