Entries are now open for the 2014 edition of the Cape Rouleur multi-day sportive in South Africa.

Cape Rouleur was first run earlier this year and will return in 2014 on March 2-6. The event is part of the Global Event Series organised by HotChillee, the team behind London to Paris and the Alpine Challenge, who say Cape Rouleur brings riders “as close to the experience of one of the Grand Tours as it’s possible to get.”

The Cape Rouleur is limited to 200 riders and starts with a 7.6km prologue which organises the riders into four seeded speed groups. Three road stages follow, covering 128km, 146km and 208km respectively through stunning South African scenery.

HotChillee say most riders then choose to stay and ride the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, the largest timed cycling event in the world. The 2014 edition of Cape Argus will take place on Sunday March 9 and will follow a 109km route.

Cape Rouleur riders, meanwhile, will enjoy rolling road closures, motorbike outriders, support vehicles and the ability to compete for a number of titles, including the yellow, green and red jerseys. The event attracts a number of star guest riders and participants in 2013 included 1987 Triple Crown winner Stephen Roche and 1988 world road race champion Maurizio Fondriest.

HotChillee founder Sven Thiele said: “The Cape Rouleur happens in March to provide our cyclists the opportunity to get a full week of cycling in one of the most scenic areas. It is a sanctuary for cyclists and our event provides a great mix of competitiveness and socialising in the early season calendar, allowing legs to be tested, but also some downtime in the South African sunshine.

“There’s a great atmosphere in the riders’ village. The Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour is one of the most famous timed cycling events in the world, so is a great end to the full week.”

Visit www.caperouleur.com for more information.