![\"image.jpeg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image.657928942405d84dca45eb67eb484677-1.jpeg\" "\\"\\"")
The Elite batch leaving Oak Valley. Image Sam Clark<\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n\n\tThe Shiraz event at the FNB Wines2Whales saw a stacked field of the best mountain bikers who call South Africa home, and several international stars, go head-to-head on the trails from Lourensford Wine Estate to Oak Valley Estate before finishing at Curro Hermanus. \tExxaro Special Jersey:<\/strong> \n\t \n\t \n\t \n\t Konny Looser and Marc Pritzen, of Honeycomb Pro Cycling, wrapped up their three days of racing at the FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz in perfect style as they crossed the finish line at Curro Hermanus in fourth position on the stage and secured the overall win by 34 seconds. The Elite batch leaving Oak Valley. Image Sam […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":22736,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"featured_location":[],"class_list":["post-12870","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12870","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12870"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12870\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62060,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12870\/revisions\/62060"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22736"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12870"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12870"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12870"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=12870"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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\n\tThe racing in the first two stages was flat out from start to finish. Stage 3 didn\u2019t break from the precedent that the teams had set and after 62 kilometres of racing, from Oak Valley Estate to Curro Hermanus, the stage results were determined in a sprint finish between a lone Gert Heyns of Pyga Euro Steel, Stage 2 winners Imbuko {Type}DEV and Toyota Specialized, with Philip Buys slightly off the pace.
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tBeers and Nortje of Toyota Specialized crossed behind Heyns, but with Buys adrift, the stage honours went to them with Du Toit and Botha of Imbuko {Type}DEV crossing second and Pyga Euro Steel securing third.
\n\t\u00a0
\n\t\u201cIt was a super-fast day out there and we went full gas from the start as we all wanted to win the last day,\u201d said Beers. \u201cIt was a real fight into the singletracks and winning the stage was the best way to end the season for us and for our sponsors.\u201d
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tStarting the stage with 40 seconds in hand meant that Looser and Pritzen could adopt a strategy of matching moves, marking attacks, and ensuring that no gaps were forced instead of going on the offensive from the gun.
\n\t\u00a0
\n\t\u201cToday was a hectic day with loads of pressure,\u201d explained Looser. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t afford any punctures, mechanicals or mistakes as the level of competition here was just so high and we had to watch everyone.\u201d
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tWith the FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz title wrapped up, and the South African mountain bike racing season all but complete, the atmosphere at the finish line was jovial as the teams reflected on the last three days of racing in the most competitive field that the FNB Wines2Whales has ever seen.
\n\t\u00a0
\n\t\u201cWinning the FNB Wines2Whales for the third time was one of my biggest goals for the season,\u201d said Looser. \u201cI knew that with Marc [Pritzen] as a partner, it was possible. This is just amazing!”
\n\t\u00a0
\n\t\u201cThis is big for me!\u201d smiled Pritzen. \u201cEarlier this year I remember standing at Epic and watching the big names get called up and I said to myself that one day I\u2019ll be called up with the theme song\u2026 and now having that happen and winning the race is just awesome. I have learned so much from Konny over the past few days and he was the perfect partner to race the FNB Wines2Whales with \u2013 it\u2019s such a different vibe and this race is so special.\u201d
\n\t\u00a0
\n\t\u201cThe FNB Wines2Whales is great as it attracts all the top teams and we can go full gas against our friends. It\u2019s the perfect environment for a good time and the best way to end the season,\u201d said Tristan Nortje.
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tToyota Mixed category:<\/strong>
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tIn the Toyota Mixed category, Candice and Darren Lill, racing as Team Ciovita, secured the category win when they crossed the finish line in second behind the Moka Rangers SC team of Aurelia Halbwachs and Yannick Lincoln.
\n\t\u00a0
\n\t\u201cIt feels super cool to win the Toyota Mixed category!\u201d said Candice Lill. \u201cWe came here to have some fun and enjoy riding together. Darren rode like such a superstar and I am so proud of him! This was the perfect way to end the season.\u201d
\n\t\u00a0
\n\t\u201cIt\u2019s been a long time since I have worn a leader jersey,\u201d laughed Darren. \u201cThis was all about the fun and this event is great! I can\u2019t wait to do more of the Epic Series races in the future, hopefully with Candice as I have loved racing with her. I\u2019ll be back at the Switchback next year, but I\u2019ll be way more prepared!\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tWith the Exxaro special jersey all but wrapped up after Stage 2, barring complete disaster, Tlotlo Selala and Halalisani Ndebele decided pre-stage that it was the perfect opportunity to hunt a stage win in the Amateur category. Their strategy paid dividends as they finished ahead of Hollard Namibia by over a minute.
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tThe efforts on the final day further increased their lead in the Exxaro race and they finished the 2022 FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz in 18th on the GC, 2nd in the Amateur category, and first in the Exxaro race. Their reward is either a bursary from Curro for Grades R – 12 or access to a higher education diploma from Stadio.
\n\t\u00a0
\n\t\u201cIt feels awesome to win the Exxaro jersey!\u201d smiled Tlotlo Selala. \u201cIf you look at where we started five years, we would never have thought this opportunity would lead to this level of racing, and the prizes from Stadio and Curro are worth millions which is just incredible. We are both blessed!\u201d
\n\t\u00a0\n<\/p>\n![\"image.jpeg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image.a3c0efcab70e4c8055f6786f6b72a8dc-1.jpeg\" "\\"\\"")
Songo-91-Specialized riders enjoying the trails. Image by Simon Pocock<\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n
\n\tFNB Wines2Whales Shiraz Results \u2013 Stage 3<\/strong>
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tMen\u2019s Racing:<\/strong>
\n\tToyota Specialized: Matthew Beers & Tristan Nortje | 02:20:42
\n\tImbuko {Type}DEV: Wessel Botha & Pieter Du Toit | 02:20:44.5 (+00:00:02.4)
\n\tPyga Euro Steel: Philip Buys & Gert Heyns | 02:20:56.3 (+00:00:14.3)
\n\t\u00a0\n<\/p>\n![\"image.jpeg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/image.55ada50d73bcc3e9c814828c4a627500-1.jpeg\" "\\"\\"")
Konny Looser and Marc Pritzen celebrate their victoy. Image by Sam Clark<\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n
\n\tMen\u2019s Amateurs:<\/strong>
\n\tExxaro\/RMB1: Tlotlo Selala & Halalisani Ndebele | 02:39:28.3
\n\tHollard Namibia: Martin Freyer & Gerhard Mans | 02:40:32.7 (+00:01:04.4)
\n\tHollard Namibia Life: Christo Swarts & Ingram Cuff | 02:46:04.1 (+00:06:35.8)
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tMen\u2019s Masters:<\/strong>
\n\tSPH Transport Services: Steven Hayes & Waldo Zevenster | 02:49:31.5
\n\tUncle fish\/White Ricer Manor: Gerrit De Vries & Giles Fourie | 02:50:08.5 (+00:00:37)
\n\tStaffanuti Stocks: Burger Bester & Hendrik Bester | 02:53:03.9 (+00:03:32.3)
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tMen\u2019s Grand Masters:<\/strong>
\n\tRobert Daniel: Piet Swiegers & Robert Sim | 02:50:13.5
\n\tNitro & Flash: Rowan Williams & Delaney Impey | 02:55:09.2 (+00:04:55.7)
\n\tPrimetime: Douglas Burger & Gavin Scholtz | 03:01:46.2 (+00:11:32.7)
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tMen\u2019s Great Grand Masters:<\/strong>
\n\tAnna Foundation Great Grand Masters: Linus Van Onselen & Eben Espach | 03:07:28.1
\n\tNorth & South: Vaughan Ulyate & Jimmy Mills | 03:12:50.3 (+00:05:22.2)
\n\tSATIB Africa Botswana: Seamus Oneill & Scip Vernede | 03:33:01.3 (+00:25:33.2)
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tMixed:<\/strong>
\n\tMoka Rangers SC: Aurelie Halbwachs & Yannick Lincoln | 02:48:14.2
\n\tCiovita: Candice Lill & Darren Lill | 02:51:00.9 (+00:02:46.7)
\n\tMadMacs: Charles McFall & Yolande De Villiers | 02:52:32.6 (+00:04:18.4)
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tFNB Wines2Whales Shiraz General Classification \u2013 Stage 3<\/strong>
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tMen\u2019s Racing:<\/strong>
\n\tHoneycomb Pro Cycling: Konny Looser & Marc Pritzen | 07:42:48
\n\tPyga Euro Steel: Philip Buys & Gert Heyns | 07:43:22.6 (+00:00:34.5)
\n\tToyota Specialized: Matthew Beers & Tristan Nortje | 07:45:59.1 (+00:03:11)
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tMen\u2019s Amateurs:<\/strong>
\n\tHollard Namibia: Martin Freyer & Gerhard Mans | 08:45:38.1
\n\tExxaro\/RMB1: Tlotlo Selala & Halalisani Ndebele | 09:01:25.4 (+00:15:47.3)
\n\tExxaro\/Pepto: William Sello Majapholo & Keneth Kabelo Thsukukudu | 09:23:11.2 (+00:37:33)
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tMen\u2019s Masters:<\/strong>
\n\tUncle fish\/White Ricer Manor: Gerrit De Vries & Giles Fourie | 09:16:25.3
\n\tStaffanuti Stocks: Burger Bester & Hendrik Bester | 09:22:46.9 (+00:06:21.6)
\n\tRDX Powerbar: Jaco Davel & Andreas Studer | 09:29:28.8 (+00:13:03.5)
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tMen\u2019s Grand Masters:<\/strong>
\n\tNitro & Flash: Rowan Williams & Delaney Impey | 09:35:06.3
\n\tRobert Daniel: Piet Swiegers & Robert Sim | 09:36:25.6 (+00:01:19.3)
\n\tPrimetime: Douglas Burger & Gavin Scholtz | 10:23:07.7 (+00:48:01.4)
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tMen\u2019s Great Grand Masters:<\/strong>
\n\tAnna Foundation Great Grand Masters: Linus Van Onselen & Eben Espach | 09:56:17
\n\tNorth & South: Vaughan Ulyate & Jimmy Mills | 10:34:39.2 (+00:38:22.1)
\n\tAntipodes Pump For Peach: Bart Meganck & Ross Castle | 11:41:48.3 (+01:45:31.2)
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tMixed:<\/strong>
\n\tCiovita: Candice Lill & Darren Lill | 09:19:13.8
\n\tMoka Rangers SC: Aurelie Halbwachs & Yannick Lincoln | 09:24:13.7 (+00:04:59.8)
\n\tMadMacs: Charles McFall & Yolande De Villiers | 0609:26:46.6 (+00:07:32.8)
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tExxaro Jersey:<\/strong>
\n\tExxaro\/RMB1:Tlotlo Selala & Halalisani Ndebele | 09:01:25.4
\n\tExxaro\/Pepto: William Sello Majapholo & Keneth Kabelo Tshukukudu | 09:23:11.2 (+00:21:45.7)
\n\tSongo-91-Specialized: Zola Ngxakeni & Ntlantla Nonkasa | 09:30:24.3 (+00:28:58.9)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"