Team Wilde braves Double Century Cycle Race

Team Wilde took part in one of the most challenging races the Western Cape has to offer. Team Wilde consisted of Marius van Tonder, Kabous Marra, Johan Murray-Muller, Gerhard Slabber, Ferdie Dick, Wynand Lourens, Suretha Kotze, Henk Jordaan, Niel de Villiers, Dirkie Brits as well as two Springbok Cyclists, Dawie du Toit and Rèniell Matthysen.

Team Wilde looked set to go, although minor equipment upgrades were necessary for some individuals, who sported state of the art models from the 1950s. Sure, they don't make bikes the way they used to, but back then they didn't use bikes for the Double Century Cycle Race!


Team Wilde made their way to Swellendam on the 20th of November 2009, where they camped out before the race the next morning. The race was set to officially start at 06h27 and Team Wilde arrived, demanding heads to be turned with their branded attire.


The Double Century route was introduced by a merciless 60 km climb, forcing each team member to never forget the words 'OP DE TRADOUWPAS'. Luckily, the way to the Montague stop allowed the riders to catch their breaths. Some of Team Wilde's members were forced to forfeit the race along the way, as the strain took its toll.


The first six members from Team Wilde clocked in at 8 hours and 24 minutes, while the remaining three members finished the race in 9 hours and 56 minutes. Team Wilde finished 115th out of the 196 teams that competed in the Double Century Race 2009.