Cape Town–The FNB Wines2Whales Mountain Bike (MTB) Events will kick off at the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West) on Friday, 30 October 2015 with the FNB W2W MTB Adventure. Currently in its 7th year, entrants can look forward to a mountain bike experience like no other.
Seen here: Mountain bikers in action during the 2014 FNB Wines2Whales MTB Events. Photo Credit: Cherie Vale / NEWSPORT MEDIA[/caption] According to Johan Kriegler, FNB W2W MTB Director, the Cape Trails route builders have done a superb job with the 2015 routes. “Stage one highlights will include the new Wedderwill and Knorhoek single tracks. The A-2-Z Trail in the Grabouw Forest is also sure to leave lasting memories. Sections X and Y, however, will not form part of this year’s route. Stage two is a single track haven and has affectionately been dubbed Play Day. Look out for Oak Valley single tracks, the Paul Cluver Bike Park and single tracks as well as the Kromco Play Park.” “Stage three will see riders bidding farewell to the Oak Valley Race Village that was their home for two days as they tackle the final 75km route that will lead them to the finish at the Onrust Caravan Park,” continues Kriegler. “Route highlights will include the new Houwhoek trails, Wildekrans Wine Estate’s improved single tracks, Gaf-se-Bos and the new Hermanus – Euodia trails, including Onrust Gorge and Barrel Loop, which have replaced the final long climb of the day. We trust that the 2015 routes will exceed expectations and look forward to welcoming all riders to the start line.”
According to Robyn De Groot, the W2W routes are a mountain bikers dream. “To be honest, the event is not a walk in the park. You require a decent level of fitness and preparation. Day two is my favorite. We are treated to some incredible trail and single track with these wooden berms and bridges. After taking part in my first W2W Race in 2014, I added the event to my list of favorites. It’s an awesome way to finish off the season.”
EVENT INFORMATION: FNB Wines2Whales MTB Events A three day MTB stage race, participants can choose between the fun-filled FNB W2W MTB Adventure, a slightly more relaxed FNB W2W MTB Ride and the action-packed FNB W2W MTB Race. Starting in the Winelands of Somerset West, teams of two riders will cross 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 November2015
Stage One Start Venue: Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West) Finish Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw) Distance: 72km Ascent: 1620m
Stage Two Start Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw) Finish Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw) Distance: 67km Ascent: 1366m Stage Three Start Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw) Finish Venue: Onrust Caravan Park (just outside Hermanus) Distance: 75km Ascent: 1300m
Like our Facebook page: Wines2Whales Follow us on Twitter: @w2wmtb For more information on the FNB Wines2Whales MTB events contact 083 760 3158, e-mail race@wines2whales.co.za, adventure@wines2whales.co.za orride@wines2whales.co.za or visit www.wines2whales.co.za
About FNB Wines2Whales: FNB Business and FNB Private Wealth have made a joint commitment to sponsor theannual Wines2Whales Mountain Bike Events. FNB’s ongoing strategy is to support local and community events that show the potential to grow. This sponsorship affirms our dedication to providing an experience that is beyond expectation, through a sport that continues to grow in popularity as one of the key activities in the South African sporting calendar. The annual FNB Wines2Whales Mountain Bike Events are aligned to our belief that adventure is the heart of innovation and this is one of many platforms on which we seek to make a lasting connection with new and existing clients. Source: www.wines2whales.co.za For The Wines2Whales Spectator guide click here.