Breederivier
Year 16 • 27 November 2012 | Tel. 023 626 5212
Double Century boosts coffers DALEEN FOUCHÉ Despite the many challenges faced by the organisers of the 2012 Coronation Double Century cycle challenge, the race took place without any incident over the past weekend. The Coronation, one of South Africa’s biggest annual road cycling events, brought more than 5 500 cyclists, organisers, crew and spectators to Swellendam and the Langeberg over the weekend. David Bellairs, director of marketing and sponsorship of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust (CTCTT), said 230 teams of up to 12 cyclists each tackled a challenging 202 km route. However, the event was almost cancelled due to protest action in the area. An urgent high level meeting was held between event organisers, the CTCTT and senior officials representing the South African Police Services, Provincial Disaster Management, Provincial Traffic Services, Provincial Community Safety and Provincial Emergency Medical Services. The outcome of the meeting was that, based on the current situation and with all available information a their disposal, the 2012 edition of the Coronation Double Century could proceed. Bellairs said that because protesters had indicated that the protest action would only continue in December, the meeting agreed that it would be safe to proceed with the race. The other big obstacle for race organisers was the massive road slip in the R60. The R60 between Ashton and Swellendam forms one of the most important routes in the race. Bellairs said that race organisers had considered moving the race, but this would have been logistically impossible. With the consent and help of the landowner, a new gravel road, which avoided the damaged section of the road, was made. He said the detour started 40 m before the damaged section on the Swellendam road and joined the R60 about 50 m beyond this section. “We had the most unbelievable support from the provincial government,” said Bellairs He explained that it was of the utmost importance that the race should continue in spite of the various challenges, because of the positive economic impact it has on the local communities. Altogether 40% of race participants are from outside the Western Cape and mostly from Gauteng. These participants and their families spend a “fair amount” of money in the region during this race.
Cyclists who have never before been exposed to the Langeberg area, also experience this as a great way of discovering the area. Bellairs said that because Swellendam could not accommodate all the contestants, crew and spectators, Robertson and even Montagu and Bonnievale received accommodation bookings as a result of the race. He said that Robertson was “almost fully booked”. The Robertson tourism office confirmed this and reported that the race had secured a lot of bookings, which made up for the bookings that were lost due to protest action in the area. Elizma Botha, chairperson of the Robertson Tourism Association, said that, like many of the festivals in the area, this race ensures accommodation bookings and more spending in the area. She said that when she visited a popular restaurant over the weekend, there were several Coronation participants in the restaurant. The area has learnt several lessons from the Cape Epic last year, which can be applied to the Coronation. “It is good to see that the Valley is no longer just synonymous with wine,” Botha said, and added that the Langeberg is being recognised more and more as a cycling destination, whether it is mountain biking or road cycling. Bellairs explained that because the Coronation Double Century is a charity event, several sport journalists competed in the event. Western Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Alan Winde, also took part in the race and was “very impressed”. He said race organisers were encouraged to conduct a socio-economic impact study on the race, but said organisers do not have the necessary funding to measure the impact of the race on the community. According to Bellairs, the Coronation Double Century aims to become more involved with the communities en route, including local schools. He also competed in the event, and although they were battered by wind, rain and even hail, it was “fantastic”. Bellairs encouraged local towns such as Bonnievale, Robertson and Montagu, which are on the Coronation route, to promote their towns through the race, because unlike the Cape Epic, the route of this race will not change. He expressed his gratitude to local residents who supported the race and were patient with the traffic delays. He also thanked the Ashton police, in particular, for their support and help.
Cyclists ride through the scenic Langeberg area during the Coronation Double Century race.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED