While the rest of us are preparing for our challenges this summer, five top-level female cyclists are in South Africa getting ready for one of the biggest challenges of their season. Adam Tranter takes a look at the preparation before the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour on Sunday 8th March.

Meet Emma Davies, Alice Monger-Godfrey, Tanja Slater, Nikki Harris and Penny Krohn. They are five cycling-savvy women aiming to make a difference in cycling on one of the biggest sporting platforms in the world, the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. They're part of the new HotChillee Challenge Team, set up by the new events management and marketing company, and current organisers of the London-Paris Cycle Tour.

While Penny Krohn is already a Cape Town resident, you would expect the rest of the team to be exploring the novelty of sweltering heat and taking in the breathtaking landscape. But the team have found themselves centre of attention, thanks to a frenzy of intrigued South African TV, Radio and Print press journalists. Back in the UK, the team are being followed on a daily basis by one of the most popular daily cycling websites in the world, Bike Radar.

The team have an entourage of supporters and followers, many of which are part of the bubbling London-Paris community. Newly appointed Sports Manager at Team Sky, Scott Sunderland, is helping the team as a guest Directeur Sportif. L2P Yellow Jersey winner, Jerone Walters, is also taking part in the Cape Argus as part of the men's invitational group. The former Rabobank espoir is on top form after winning the Hillingdon Winter Series. Influential London-Paris individuals such as CSC's Richard Gorman, adidas' Mark Sinclair and VALAD's David Kirkby are also riding under the HotChillee banner, which is offering an once-in-a-lifetime experience for cyclists at the event.

The 25-strong group surrounding the team have been attending high-profile dinners and functions where the key emphasis has been on the team. So much so, the HotChillee team were the only team introduced on the stage from the whole of the event entries. The British riders are certainly causing a stir abroad.

The purpose of the HotChillee team is not just a competitive one. The team want to promote the ideology of courage, belief and inspiration into every individual that the team comes into contact with. Cycling has grown massively in South Africa, and the team can become role models for those wanting to challenge themselves.

Testament to the positive impact HotChillee are having on the community, the team will hand over a cheque of 260,000 rand (£17,500) to the Christel House charity which aims to help children around the world break the cycle of poverty, realise their hopes and dreams, and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their societies. The HotChillee team are fortunate members of their society and have realised their hopes and dreams, the donation should go a long way to help children in South Africa realise their aspirations.

"The total experience for the team, for both for our professionals and amateurs, has so far been extraordinary, especially with the active engagement of the organisers of the Pick n pay Cycle Tour, locals and sponsors. The HotChillee team has bonded well and we are all looking forward to the race on Sunday and a visit to one of our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in Africa, Christel House on Monday," said Sven Thiele, owner of HotChillee.

The team compete this Sunday (8th March) and are looking for a win in the women’s category. With an ex-Commonwealth medallist and Olympian on board, as well as World Championship riders and promising Great Britain representatives, the dream may well become a reality. There’s a lot of racing experience amongst the team, and they’re already working very well together.

The London-Paris Cycle Tour wishes the team the best of luck for Sunday. Keep posted on the L2P website for results and updates.