The History of the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century

From a casual adventure to one of SA’s biggest endurance challenges.

BY MIKE FINCH | 25 October 2024

Photo: Old Mutual Wealth Double Century

The Old Mutual Wealth Double Century (affectionately known as the DC) began as a non-competitive day in the saddle among long-time cycling chums. Charles Milner, a Stellenbosch wine farmer and fanatical cyclist who has done 32 Cape Town Cycle Tours, is traditionally considered to be the founding father of what has grown into one of the country’s most prestigious, challenging and scenic bike races.

Early 1990s

In the early 1990s, the cyclists in Milner’s farming circle believed there was a market for a 200km race on the cycling calendar. At the time, the longest race was the 160km One Tonner. For a challenging day out, Milner and his mates would ride 200km from his Klapmuts wine farm, Natte Valleij, to Franschhoek, Villiersdorp, Rawsonville, Bainskloof, Wellington and back to Natte Vallej.

They all agreed that this was a tough but ideal route for a proposed double-century race. And so, the cycling farmers approached the Pedal Power Association (PPA) and convinced then-chairman Lawrence Whittaker, vice-chairman Frans Fouche, event coordinator Jasmine Griffin and executive committee member David Bellairs, that a double-century would be a welcome addition to the world of South African cycling.

The circular route from Natte Valleij seemed a natural choice; after all, they’d all cycled that route themselves and it had proved itself to be just what a double-century should be: an endurance challenge matched by the beauty of the landscapes it traverses.

“It was blisteringly hot and even though I could almost see the tar melt while we rode, there was a tremendous team spirit among the cyclists.”

The inaugural DC took place in 1993, with 385 starters. Milner remembers it fondly: “It was blisteringly hot and even though I could almost see the tar melt while we rode, there was a tremendous team spirit among the cyclists. This same spirit is what makes the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century what it is today – a race of camaraderie and teamwork.”

In 1995, the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century was officially part of the Audax Tour and every participant received a certificate as proof of their accomplishment. — In 1995, the race was officially part of the Audax Tour and every participant received a certificate as proof of their accomplishment.

Over the years, the route has changed many times, largely due to race numbers impacting the ability to use certain routes. After the first few years – the race grew exponentially in popularity and race numbers jumped quickly – traffic authorities closed Bainskloof to riders, which forced organisers to adopt a new route, which went from Klapmuts to Aan de Doorns wine cellar outside Worcester and back again. By the middle 1990s, however, Natte Valleij had become too small to host the start and a new venue had to be found. Organisers selected the Drakenstein Correctional Facility (formerly Victor Verster Prison, out of which Nelson Mandela famously walked free in February 1990) between Paarl and Franschhoek.

Late 1990s

By the late 1990s, the race had moved to Ceres and incorporated a very tough out-and-back circuit to the top of the Bo Swaarmoed and Theronsberg Passes. It wasn’t pretty, though, which resulted in dwindling numbers, so in the early 2000s the race was re-homed to a start and end point in Montagu, where the town’s hot springs were ready to soothe aching muscles.

Picturesque, historic villages and towns like Ashton, Robertson, Bonnievale, Swellendam, Suurbraak and Barrydale – via the Tradouw Pass – were included on the route. The scenic beauty of the new Southern Cape route saw a leap in numbers and the starting venue was moved to minimise the amount of time that riders would have to spend on the N2 near Swellendam.

Today

And so the race arrived at its current home – starting and ending in Swellendam where it enjoys huge support from the local community.

Riders crossing the finish line of the Old Mutual Wealth Double Century

In 2007, the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust took over the organisation of the event from the owners of the event, the Pedal Power Association, an arrangement that’s still in place today.

Cycling Celebs

Over the years, several high-profile cyclists have participated in the race. Some famous finishers include Vincenzo Nibali (2020 and 2022), Ben Swift (2013 and 2014), Robert Hunter (2012), Daryl Impey (2012), Chris Froome (2010), John-Lee Augustyn (2008), Raynard Tissink (2010 and 2011), Conrad Stoltz (2012) and Jasper Stuyven (2023).