FNB W2W MTB Ride stage two tougher than expected

Tyler Day and JC Jooste of Team Bianchi/Westvaal continued their winning streak on Stage Two of the FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Ride on Tuesday, 03 November 2015 crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 03 hours 05 minutes 03 seconds.

Starting and finishing at the picturesque Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw), Stage Two has affectionately been dubbed ‘Play Day’. A single track haven, the 67km route featured a 1366m ascent and included the exhilarating Paul Cluver Bike Park and single tracks as well as the Kromco Play Park.

JC Jooste and Tyler Day of Team Bianchi/Westvaal take on Pofadder, an infamous section on the Stage Two route of the FNB Wines2Whales. Photo Credit: Volume Photography

“We expected a fast and easy route,” said Jooste. “With regard to difficulty, on a scale of 1 to 10, this stage was definitely a 7 or an 8. It wasn’t easy, but the single track was unbelievable. I felt like a kid in a sandpit. The Western Cape is beautiful. Like Jan Braai said, this is one of the best races. Taking mountain biking to the next level, it’s like being in heaven with a bicycle.”

According to Day, he is still learning to mountain bike. “The race was fast. Our goal was to stick with the front guys. We were all still together on the 20km mark, but then one of the team’s riders took a wrong turn. Although his partner stayed with us, he ended up having to wait. You can’t just ride W2W. You have to navigate at all times. We didn’t see the team again. Today was nice, with beautiful scenery.” Heiko Redecker and Graeme Kuys of Team FLM8 came in second, while Warren Richards and Charles Grasse of Team Surf4Cars finished third.

Team Merida’s Warrick Kernes and Nicolette Griffioen also claimed their second victory on the day in a lighting fast time of 03 hours 20 minutes 30 seconds. “Compared to yesterday, I had a much better day,” said a relieved Griffioen. “I enjoyed the single track. It was well maintained, flowing and technical. We don’t have trails like these in Johannesburg. Riding today was a real treat. Going into Stage Three, we’ll try to hold onto the first place position, while enjoying the last day as much as possible. That is why we are here, to have fun.” Petrus and Yzette Oelofse of Team Boys and Bikes came in second, while Carla Beyers and Dawie Carstens of Team Ice finished third.

In the women’s race, Michele Du Toit and Beverley Wood of Team Fast in Frannies claimed the top spot on the podium in a time of 04 hours 16 minutes 45 seconds. Michelle Zulch and Riana Howlett of Team S-Works came in second, while Barbara Mulcahy and Sally Petersen of Team Karoo Sister Power finished third.