The FNB Wines2Whales Mountain Bike (MTB) Events will kick off at the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West) on Friday, 30 October 2015 with the FNB W2W MTB Adventure. Currently in its 7th year, entrants can look forward to a mountain bike experience like no other.
Catherine Williamson in action during the 2014 FNB Wines2Whales MTB Race. Photo Credit: Cherie Vale / NEWSPORT MEDIA.
According to Johan Kriegler, FNB W2W MTB Director, the Cape Trails route builders have done a superb job with the 2015 routes. “Stage one highlights will include the new Wedderwill and Knorhoek single tracks. The A-2-Z Trail in the Grabouw Forest is also sure to leave lasting memories. Sections X and Y, however, will not form part of this year’s route. Stage two is a single track haven and has affectionately been dubbed Play Day. Look out for Oak Valley single tracks, the Paul Cluver Bike Park and single tracks as well as the Kromco Play Park.”
“Stage three will see riders bidding farewell to the Oak Valley Race Village that was their home for two days as they tackle the final 75km route that will lead them to the finish at the Onrust Caravan Park,” continues Kriegler. “Route highlights will include the new Houwhoek trails, Wildekrans Wine Estate’s improved single tracks, Gaf-se-Bos and the new Hermanus – Euodia trails, including Onrust Gorge and Barrel Loop, which have replaced the final long climb of the day. We trust that the 2015 routes will exceed expectations and look forward to welcoming all riders to the start line.”
According to Robyn De Groot, the W2W routes are a mountain bikers dream. “To be honest, the event is not a walk in the park. You require a decent level of fitness and preparation. Day two is my favorite. We are treated to some incredible trail and single track with these wooden berms and bridges. After taking part in my first W2W Race in 2014, I added the event to my list of favorites. It’s an awesome way to finish off the season.”
EVENT INFORMATION: FNB Wines2Whales MTB Events
A three day MTB stage race, participants can choose between the fun-filled FNB W2W MTB Adventure, a slightly more relaxed FNB W2W MTB Ride and the action-packed FNB W2W MTB Race.
Starting in the Winelands of Somerset West, teams of two riders will cross through (and over) 13 wineries, 26 private farms, six mountains, historic roads and mountain passes, nature conservation areas (including the Kogelberg Biosphere) before finishing within sight of the famous whales of Hermanus!
FNB Wines2Whales MTB Adventure: Friday, 30 October 2015 – Sunday, 01 November 2015
FNB Wines2Whales MTB Ride: Monday, 02 November 2015 – Wednesday, 04 November 2015
FNB Wines2Whales MTB Race: Friday, 06 November 2015 – Sunday, 08 November 2015
Stage One
Start Venue: Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West)
Finish Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw)
Distance: 72km
Ascent: 1620m
Stage Two
Start Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw)
Finish Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw)
Distance: 67km
Ascent: 1366m
Stage Three
Start Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw)
Finish Venue: Onrust Caravan Park (just outside Hermanus)
Distance: 75km
Ascent: 1300m
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For more information on the FNB Wines2Whales MTB events contact 083 760 3158, e-mail race@wines2whales.co.za, adventure@wines2whales.co.za or ride@wines2whales.co.za or visit www.wines2whales.co.za.
No more Hamilton Russel climb at the end of day 3
It will now be the single track climb we rode at TrailSeeker (I assume)
Cant wait for the race though!!
Edit: Actually... Woohoo more single track.