FNB Wines2Whales MTB Race announces prize purse for 2015

The organizers of the revered FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Events are excited to announce that the prize purse for the 2015 FNB W2W MTB Race has increased by R31 500, taking the overall total to a whopping R381 500.

According to Michael Meyer, Director FNB W2W MTB Events, although only in its 7th year, the FNB Wines2Whales continues to grow from strength to strength. “We are grateful for the unwavering support received from our magnificent sponsors and Wines2Whales entrants, without them this growth would not be possible. In addtion to the prize purse increase, we will be implementing some exciting changes in 2015 one of which will be the elimination of prize money in the mixed team category. This change has enabled us to increase the prize purse in both the men’s and women’s team categories. We trust that this change willl be favorably received and look forward to welcoming all 2015 riders to the start line come November.”

Current National Marathon Champion, Robyn de Groot (Team Ascendis Health) is excited by the announcement. “Increasing the prize purse in the men’s and women’s team categories is sure to result in a healthy field of female riders in terms of depth and numbers,” says De Groot. “Having such a substantial prize purse is something that all professional athletes appreciate. Over the years there has been a huge drive for equity of both men’s and women’s prize money and media coverage. We are grateful to the FNB W2W MTB Events for ensuring this. The withdrawal of the mixed team prize purse can be seen as a step in a positive direction, as it will drive competitive professionals to compete in their respective women’s and/or men’s categories instead, leading to more competitive and exciting racing.”

In addition to the Prize Purse increase for the FNB W2W MTB Race, an additional R30 000.00 has been allocated to the ISUZU King and Queen of the Mountain that will be at an undisclosed location on Day 2 of each event: Adventure, Ride and Race. The first men’s and women’s team to cross this point will be rewarded with R5000.

The full prize money breakdown can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/w2wraceprizemoney2015

Although the prize money only applies to the FNB W2W MTB Race, riders taking part in the FNB W2W MTB Adventure and Ride can look forward to winning awesome lucky draw prizes compliments of our sponsors.

EVENT INFORMATION: FNB Wines2Whales MTB Events

Starting in the Winelands of Somerset West, riders crossed 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

Stage Two

Start Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw)

Finish Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw)

Distance: 67km

Stage Three

Start Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw)

Finish Venue: Onrus Caravan Park (just outside Hermanus)

Distance: 74km

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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