Prize money worth some R60 000 is on offer during the 2018 Token Double90 Team Challenge which takes place on Saturday 14 April 2018 in and around Clarens in the foothills of the Maluti mountains in the eastern Free State.
This includes an increased first prize purse of R12 000 in the Open Team category, as well as a new cash prize of R3 000 for the team that displays the most camaraderie and team spirit during the event (as judged by the event officials), crossing the finish line with all the team members who started in the morning.
The Enervit King of Maluti (KOM) and Enervit Queen of Maluti (QOM) Strava-based competitions will, for the third year running, determine the fastest individual climbers up the 2.6 km to the top of the notorious “Mineshaft” in the Golden Gate Reserve.
The Token Double90 challenges teams of between 6 and 12 riders to complete a 180 km route in less than 9 hours, with the time of the 6th rider across the finish line taken as the team’s official time.
“We are very excited to be the title sponsor for the 2018 Token Double90,” said Token Cycling CEO, Warren Foyn. “Without the support of our customers, our fellow cyclists, TOKEN Cycling SA wouldn’t be where it is today. Becoming involved with this event is one way we feel we can show our appreciation for that support.”
Strong competition expected in 2018
Teams can enter one of three categories: Open, Mixed (3 members of the opposite gender in the top 6 finishers), or All-female.
The 2017 winning team in the Open category, Team RoadCover Cycling, crossed the finish line in only 4:38:31, beating Team Bluff Meat Supplies into second place (04:52:52) for the second year running. Team Centurion Express was third in 05:11:16.
But things may be quite different in this category in 2018, with the Barzani Pro Team having indicated that they will be on the start line on 14 April.
In the 2017 Mixed Category, Team Token Cycling successfully defended their 2016 title and finished in 05:10,12, with Team RRAV second in 05:13,15 and Team Tri-Star third in 05:32,52.
Five all-female team entries have already entered which points to some exciting competition in this category in 2018.
Most teams took between 7 and 9 hours to complete the scenic course, with the hilly last 40 km through the Golden Gate Reserve testing both physical and mental strength.
Entries close on 23 March 2018 or as soon as 120 teams have entered, whichever comes first. Unfortunately no late or on-the-day team entries will be available, although teams will be able to substitute riders (at a fee) at registration, which takes place in Clarens on 13 April. Teams looking for riders, or riders looking for teams, are welcome to post their details to the Notice Board on the event website.
Win a set of token wheels worth R 29,000
It’s GIVEAWAY time! One lucky 2018 Token Double90 Team Challenge entrant will win a set of TOKEN C50 Zenith Carbon Clinchers worth R28 999! Simply follow these steps:
- Enter the TOKEN Double 90 Team Challenge before 23 March 2018
- ‘Like’ the Token Cycling Facebook page and share the competition on your timeline using #TokenDouble90
- Comment with a picture of you and/or your team training, preparing or planning your race tactics for the 2018 Token Double 90 Team Challenge.
The winner will be announced at the 2018 TOKEN Double90 prize giving in Clarens on Saturday 14 April.
Event at a glance:
Event: Token Double90 Team Challenge
Date: Saturday 14 April 2018
Distances: 180 km
Venue: Clarens, Free State
Team entries: R8 600 per team. Entries close at 13h00 on Friday 23 March 2018 or once 120 teams have entered, whichever comes first
Enter here: http://www.cycleevents.co.za/
More information: www.malutidouble90.co.za.
Enquiries: bloem@pedalpower.org.za
