![\"ccs-62657-0-62645700-1478276339.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-62645700-1478276339.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Mountain bikers in action during Stage One of the FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Adventure. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg<\/span><\/p>\nCool weather conditions proving to be the norm at the FNB W2W MTB Adventure, the first destination stage of the event saw an impressive field of 1344 riders (672 teams of two) having to complete a 68km MTB route with a 1420m ascent, from Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West) to the festival village at the majestic Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw), home for the next two day.<\/p>\n
Team SALiRE\u2019s Robert Cragg and Charles Mcfall snatched the Stage One victory in a time of 03 hours 23 minutes 15 seconds. According to Cragg the stage was awesome. \u201cWe started slower than the other teams and just picked the guys up along the way. The routes, trails, single tracks are awesome. The event is just world class. Our goal is to make top three. We\u2019ll just see how it goes.\u201d Team Freewheel Cycology\u2019s Gavin Klerck and Lionel Murray came in second, while Team Gedis\u2019 Frikkie Hartog and Gerard Dirks finished third.<\/p>\n
Defending women\u2019s team champions Lolita Van Aardt and Simone Rhoda Van Aardt of Team SALiRE Women’s crossed the finish line first in a deserving time of 04 hours 01 minutes 10 seconds. \u201cWe were initially worried about the rain, but it was actually beneficial today,\u201d says Lolita. \u201cThe W2W routes are fantastic. Simone\u2019s riding has improved dramatically since 2015. She is really looking forward to Stage Two\u2019s single track.\u201d Team Pharmachoice Ladies\u2019 Michelle Van Aswegen and Emma Pienaar came in second, while Team Rugged Roses\u2019 Caren Mills and Dawn Herbert finished third.<\/p>\n
Galileo Risk\u2019s Theresa Ralph and Hamish Knowles were the mixed team to beat on the day, claiming the top spot on the podium in 03 hours 36 minutes 34 seconds. According to Ralph, Stage One was great. \u201cEach year I take part in the FNB W2W MTB Adventure with a client of my sponsor,\u201d says Ralph. \u201cToday\u2019s stage was lovely, fast and flowing. I am happy that the portage section is over. It does add to the event though. Our goal will be to take the mixed team title.\u201d Team At Last\u2019s Philip Lambrecht and Jane Seggie came in second, while Team Cycles Direct\u2019s Alan Van Schoor and Jenny Close finished third.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n