{"id":74322,"date":"2025-11-09T21:34:50","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T19:34:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=74322"},"modified":"2025-11-14T08:11:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T06:11:46","slug":"near-perfect-shiraz-success-for-honeycomb-226ers-fnb-wines2whales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/near-perfect-shiraz-success-for-honeycomb-226ers-fnb-wines2whales\/","title":{"rendered":"Near-Perfect Shiraz Success for Honeycomb 226ers FNB Wines2Whales"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69faf25c45619&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69faf25c45619\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1_Dom-Barnardt.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-74323\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1_Dom-Barnardt.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1_Dom-Barnardt-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1_Dom-Barnardt-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marc Pritzen (left) and Felix Stehli (right) celebrate their 2025 FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz title with Lourensford MCC. Photo by Dom Barnardt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On Sunday, 9 November 2025, the 16th edition of FNB Wines2Whales wrapped up under clear skies on the lawns of Lourensford Wine Estate. Having led the battle for the overall title since 23 kilometres into the first stage, it was fitting that the Honeycomb 226ers were the day\u2019s victors. By winning Stage 3, Marc Pritzen and Felix Stehli wrapped up the general classification in style. Two stage wins and a second place represent a near-perfect three days for the South African\/Swiss pairing. Pritzen and Stehli were joined on the Stage 3 podium by PYGA Euro Steel and Buff Megamo. The general classification podium featured the same two teams alongside the Honeycomb 226ers, but with Hans Becking and Wout Alleman in second, ahead of Michael Foster and Jaedon Terlouw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"2025 FNB Wines2Whales | Shiraz | Highlights Stage 3\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X7BlAT0ZeTo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The trails from Oak Valley Wine Estate to Lourensford Wine Estate were fast, but dusty in places. This would be Marco Joubert\u2019s undoing within sight of the finish line. Earlier in the 63-kilometre-long stage, the Elgin Valley Trails led the teams around the Eikenhof Dam and uphill towards the Gantouw Pass portage. The Rooi Pad trail before the pass had been the pivotal point in the Chardonnay and Pinotage races, where the Liv Sabi-Sabi Seattle Coffee e-FORT and Unbound Uncles teams made their decisive moves. In the Shiraz event, the Honeycomb 226ers controlled the tempo to the portage and then descended fastest to establish a lead they would never relinquish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69faf25c45a6c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69faf25c45a6c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"783\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2_Dom-Barnardt.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-74324\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2_Dom-Barnardt.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2_Dom-Barnardt-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2_Dom-Barnardt-768x501.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marc Pritzen (leading) and Felix Stehli were able to descend the Gantouw Pass portage faster than their rivals and then remain ahead through the final 35 kilometres of Stage 3 to add a second stage win to their haul. Photo by Dom Barnardt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe went into the portage with a group, and by the bottom it was just Marc [Pritzen], Felix [Stehli], and me at the front,\u201d Foster recounted. \u201cI decided to wait on the dual track, where the portage ends, for Jaedon [Terlouw] and we never caught up to the Honeycomb 226es again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once out front on their own, Pritzen and Stehli charged through Vergelegen and Lourensford towards the finish line. Their advantage never grew to over a minute, but PYGA Euro Steel were also never close enough to the men in yellow to regain contact. \u201cApart from that crash on the finish line yesterday, it was a perfect race,\u201d Stehli smiled, before explaining how they won Stage 3. \u201cImbuko [ChemChamp] tried early on, but then on the pass we ran as fast as we could, without taking any stupid risks. After that, we just kept going. The trails were quite slippery because of the dust, so we had to focus on staying upright to the finish line.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69faf25c45e09&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69faf25c45e09\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3_Dom-Barnardt-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-74329\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3_Dom-Barnardt-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3_Dom-Barnardt-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3_Dom-Barnardt-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Michael Foster led PYGA Euro Steel\u2019s pursuit of the Honeycomb 226ers team, but was never able to reel the men in the Yellow CIOVITA jerseys back in. Photo by Dom Barnardt. Michael Foster led PYGA Euro Steel?s pursuit of the Honeycomb 226ers team, but was never able to reel the men in the Yellow CIOVITA jerseys back in. Photo by Dom Barnardt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe couldn\u2019t have asked for a better start to a new partnership,\u201d Pritzen added. \u201cIt was a dream come true. Winning in yellow is very special. I haven\u2019t done that at FNB Wines2Whales before, so that was a special moment, and getting to celebrate on the finish line here, with Felix [Stehli], is a moment I\u2019ll never forget.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PYGA Euro Steel were next across the finish line, and moved up in the general classification. Foster and Terlouw may be left ruing their Stage 2 struggles, which put them out of the battle for the overall title, yet a strong final day allowed them to move up into third. \u201cWe both had good legs today, and just tried to keep it calm and consistent,\u201d Foster concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69faf25c461b4&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69faf25c461b4\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/5_Dom-Barnardt.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-74327\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/5_Dom-Barnardt.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/5_Dom-Barnardt-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/5_Dom-Barnardt-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marco Joubert (leading) crashed late in the stage and had to be taken to the Vergelegen Mediclinic for an X-ray on his clavicle and shoulder. Photo by Dom Barnardt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Buff Megamo were third on the day, and without meaningfully challenging the Honeycomb 226ers on the trails, claimed the second step on the final podium. Becking and Alleman clearly enjoyed their South African adventure. \u201cI\u2019m super happy we could finish in second here at FNB Wines2Whales and have a good time while doing so,\u201d Becking grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There was drama behind the day\u2019s podium places as Imbuko ChemChamp chased Buff Megamo in the closing kilometres, looking to leapfrog from third to second overall. \u201cDropping into the last singletrack, we were about 20 seconds behind Buff Megamo,\u201d Jan Withaar explained when asked how Joubert crashed. \u201cMarco [Joubert] opened the taps on the descent, but there was one corner which was quite steep with big breaking bumps, and it was quite dusty. I think he went a bit wide on the corner, then there was a big boulder, and he couldn\u2019t avoid it. I think he probably tucked the front wheel, and he crashed hard. When we got there, it was just dust, and we couldn\u2019t find Marco. When it settled a bit, he was lying right there next to us, upside down with the bike on top of him. When he got up, the first thing he said was that his \u2018collarbone is off\u2019. So, ja\u2026 that\u2019s really not a nice way to end the race or the season!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69faf25c46514&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69faf25c46514\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/4_Dom-Barnardt-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-74330\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/4_Dom-Barnardt-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/4_Dom-Barnardt-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/4_Dom-Barnardt-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wout Alleman (leading) and Hans Becking, of Buff Megamo, enjoyed a steady FNB Wines2Whales campaign, finishing on the second step of the podium. Photo by Dom Barnardt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Joubert, like Matt Beers the day before, was taken to Vergelegen Mediclinic for X-rays to determine if his clavicle would require surgery or not. \u201cIt\u2019s never nice to see racing incidents cause injuries to any of the FNB Wines2Whales competitors,\u201d Race Director Hendrico Burger said. \u201cOn behalf of the event and the Epic Series, I\u2019d like to wish Marco [Joubert] a speedy recovery. We know he and his Imbuko ChemChamp team have big goals for 2026, and speaking for every South African cycling fan, I hope he&#8217;ll be back racing in the Epic Series faster than ever next year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Withaar and Wessel Botha finished the final stage in fourth, despite stopping to check on Joubert, and were fourth on the final overall standings too. Ignatius du Preez and Lood Goosen also stopped with their Imbuko ChemChamp teammate before completing the final 4 kilometres to secure fifth on the day. A more consistent three days meant that the Insect Science Azimuth combination edged fifth ahead of Imbuko ChemChamp Summerplace. Keagan Bontekoning and Arno du Toit thus joined their teammates in the top five placings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69faf25c4686f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69faf25c4686f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/6_Dom-Barnardt.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-74331\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/6_Dom-Barnardt.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/6_Dom-Barnardt-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/6_Dom-Barnardt-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Erik Kleinhans, who won the inaugural FNB Wines2Whales in 2009, raced to the Open category title alongside Jasper Stuyven, of Lidle Trek. Photo by Dom Barnardt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the elite men\u2019s race, the Open category was won by Milano-San Remo, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne winner Jasper Stuyven. The Lidl Trek star rode alongside Erik Kleinhans, who has twice been crowned FNB Wines2Whales champion, including the inaugural edition in 2009. The Open category victory is Kleinhans\u2019 first in an age category at the Shiraz event, though he has also won a Pinotage race with his business partner, Johan Cronje.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ACEPAK team of Christoff and Robin van Heerden won the Toyota Mixed Category. Donovan le Cok and Dutoit van den Bergh, of MCC Victus, were crowned NTT Data Masters champions, ahead of Gerrit de Vries and Burger Bester. In the GIC Grand Masters category, Piet Swiegers and Udo Bolts were victorious by just 4 minutes and 52 seconds over Hannes Kotze and Franso Steyn. The Gun + 1 combination claimed the final age-category jersey in the Great Grand Masters competition. Jimmy Mills and Christo van den Heever dominated the Grey CIOVITA jersey race, winning by over 35 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69faf25c46b86&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69faf25c46b86\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/7_Sam-Clark.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-74328\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/7_Sam-Clark.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/7_Sam-Clark-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/7_Sam-Clark-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Robin and Christoff van Heerden reigned supreme in the Toyota Mixed category. Photo by Sam Clark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Exxaro jersey competition, Ziandro Jordaan defended his title. The Fairtree DP World Cannondale rider won in 2024 alongside Damon Terblanche and backed it up this year with Kwazikwenkosi Mbhamali. Jordaan and Mbhamali\u2019s nearest rivals were Kusaselihle Ngidi and Ethan Michaels, also from the Stellenbosch-based The Fairtree DP World Cannondale set-up. Citi Change a Life\u2019s Sbonakaliso Msweli and Nhlanhla Mthembu were third in the Exxaro race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69faf25c46e8c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69faf25c46e8c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/8_Dom-Barnardt.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-74333\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/8_Dom-Barnardt.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/8_Dom-Barnardt-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/8_Dom-Barnardt-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Fairtree DP World Cannondale\u2019s Kwazikwenkosi Mbhamali (left) and Ziandro Jordaan (right) won the Exxaro jersey competition. The victory is Jordaan\u2019s third Exxaro competition win in the Epic Series. Photo by Dom Barnardt. The Fairtree DP World Cannondale&#8217;s Kwazikwenkosi Mbhamali (left) and Ziandro Jordaan (right) won the Exxaro jersey competition. The victory is Jordaan&#8217;s third Exxaro competition win in the Epic Series. Photo by Dom Barnardt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m only 22, so I have 4 more years in the Exxaro competition,\u201d Jordaan said. \u201cI\u2019d like to establish a legacy in the category. There are some legends of the Exxaro jersey, like Philemon Sebona, William Mokgopo, and Jan Montshioa, and I\u2019d like to see my name alongside theirs one day. Kwazikwenkosi [Mbhamali] and I have big plans for the Epic Series in 2026, but I\u2019d also like to follow in Damon [Terblanche]\u2019s footsteps. I grew up with him, and we\u2019re best friends. It\u2019s been inspirational to see him join Pump for Peace and race cross-country in Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69faf25c47227&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69faf25c47227\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/9_Sam-Clark.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-74332\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/9_Sam-Clark.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/9_Sam-Clark-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/11\/9_Sam-Clark-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">All the CIOVITA category jersey wearers after Stage 3 of the FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz. They are Marc Pritzen and Felix Stehli (yellow), Kwazikwenkosi Mbhamali and Ziandro Jordaan (light green | Men), Tsholofelo Nkosi and Bontle Phepiso (light green | Women), Erik Kleinhans and Jasper Stuyven (white), Christoff and Robin van Heerden (dark green), Donovan le Cok and Dutoit van den Bergh (blue), and Piet Swiegers and Udo Bolts. Not pictured: Jimmy Mills and Christo van den Heever (grey). Photo by Sam Clark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2025 FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz Results:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Elite Men\u2019s Stage 3 Results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Honeycomb 226ers: Marc Pritzen &amp; Felix Stehli (2:21:26)<br>PYGA Euro Steel: Michael Foster &amp; Jeadon Terlouw (2:22:06 | +39)<br>Buff Megamo: Hans Becking &amp; Wout Alleman (2:23:15 | +1:49)<br>Insect Science: Wessel Botha &amp; Jan Withaar (2:26:27 | +5:00)<br>Imbuko ChemChamp Summerplace: Ignatius du Preez &amp; Lood Goosen (2:29:02 | +7:36)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Elite Men\u2019s General Classification after Stage 3:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Honeycomb 226ers: Marc Pritzen &amp; Felix Stehli (6:55:52)<br>Buff Megamo: Hans Becking &amp; Wout Alleman (7:00:30 | +4:38)<br>PYGA Euro Steel: Michael Foster &amp; Jeadon Terlouw (7:01:31 | +5:39)<br>Insect Science: Wessel Botha &amp; Jan Withaar (7:05:45 | +9:53)<br>Insect Science Azimuth: Keagan Bontekoning &amp; Arno du Toit (7:15:28 | +19:36)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the full results from the Shiraz race at the 2025 FNB Wines2Whales, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epic-series.com\/races\/wines2whales\/results\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On Sunday, 9 November 2025, the 16th edition of FNB Wines2Whales wrapped up under clear skies on the lawns of Lourensford Wine Estate. Having led the battle for the overall title since 23 kilometres into the first stage, it was fitting that the Honeycomb 226ers were the day\u2019s victors. By winning Stage 3, Marc Pritzen [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":74323,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[15],"featured_location":[338],"class_list":["post-74322","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","tag-wines2whales","featured_location-bottom-row"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74322","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=74322"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74322\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":74336,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74322\/revisions\/74336"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/74323"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74322"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74322"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74322"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=74322"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}