The much anticipated FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Events got underway at the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate on Friday, 30 October 2015. Kicking off with the FNB W2W MTB Adventure 1300 riders (650 teams of two) had to complete the 72km Stage One route that featured a 1620m ascent before crossing the finish line at Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw), their home for the weekend.
(From left to right): Michael Pretorius and Martin Fryer of Team Kia Namibia in action on the day. Team Kia Namibia claimed victory in a lightning fast time of 04 hours 06 minutes 31 seconds. Photo Credit: Volume Photography.
Team Kia Namibia’s Martin Fryer and Michael Pretorius took the lead in the men’s race claiming victory in a lightning fast time of 04 hours 06 minutes 31 seconds. According to Fryer their focus was on enjoying the stage, and not on winning. “A few years back I got to ride Stage Two and Three due to a substitution, but this is the first time that I get to take part in all three stages. W2W is a definite bucket list event. The trails, sponsors, rider lounge, everything is amazing. We’re looking forward to Stage Two, trail heaven.” Michael Creedon and Andrew Davies of Team Oakhaven-Granite came in second, while Anton Koller and Gregor Krall of Team Rehidrat 2 finished third.
Theresa Ralph and Hamish Knowles of Team Galileo Risk set the course ablaze in the mixed team category claiming victory in a time of 04 hours 35 minutes 19 seconds. “We had fun out there,” said Ralph. “We rode some lovely new trails and the views were just amazing. I have some unfinished business with the W2W Race. In 2014 I had to withdraw due to a torn hamstring, so I’ll be taking part again this year as part of a women’s team. My partner and I will definitely be riding competitively. For now Hamish and I are just having fun. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.” Bianca Haw and Andrew Houston of Team Rippers came in second, while Jampie Vlok and Zelda Van Wijk of Team Rola Toyota finished third.
Mother and daughter duo, Lolita and Simone Van Aardt of Team Tailormade Properties/Craft Racing completed the 72km stage in 04 hours 56 minutes 46 seconds. “Today was tough,” said Simone. “I only recently started riding. This is the furthest that I’ve ever ridden on a mountain bike. Being able to participate with my mother is really special.” Lolita will also be seen toeing the line at the FNB W2W MTB Race. Michelle Van Aswegen and Emma Pienaar Of Team Crackerjacks came in second, while Louise Bezuidenhout and Colene Steyn of Team Provincial Logistics finished third.
FNB Wines2Whales MTB Adventure
Stage One: Friday, 30 October 2015
Top 5 Results:
Men 1 Martin Fryer and Michael Pretorius / Team Kia Namibia 04:06:31, 2 Michael Creedon and Andrew Davies / Oakhaven-Granite 04:10:08, 3 Anton Koller and Gregor Krall / Team Rehidrat1 04:11:13, 4 Jeffrey Sullivan and Deon Van Vuuren / Team Far Canal 04:20:05, 5 Franclo Henning and Charl Cooper / Billy and Villi 04:20:32
Women 1 Lolita Van Aardt and Simone Rhoda Van Aardt / Tailormade Properties/Craft Racing 04:56:46, 2 Michelle Van Aswegen and Emma Pienaar / Team Crackerjacks 05:27:18, 3 Louise Bezuidenhout and Colene Steyn / Provincial Logistics 05:33:21, 4 Kim De Villiers and Louise Blatch / Team TT, 5 Phelia Burger and Erica Green / Team Reeds Wines2Whales 05:36:42
Mixed 1 Theresa Ralph and Hamish Knowles / Galileo Risk 04:35:19, 2 Bianca Haw and Andrew Houston / Rippers 04:55:32, 3 Jampie Vlok and Zelda Van Wijk / Rola Toyota 04:59:32, 4 Karin Van Niekerk and Mark Mahoney / Cycology 05:00:08, 5 Robert Kitching and Collette Bastard / Recycles Racing 05:00:28
