FNB Wines2Whales
The FNB Wines2Whales is more about the journey than the destination, but no matter your inclinations or ambitions, you’re guaranteed a fun-filled, action-packed three days of riding alongside many like-minded people.
The FNB Wines2Whales was born out of the desire to establish a world-class 3-day stage race in the Western Cape of South Africa. Since inception in 2009, it has become a must-do event on the mountain bike calendar for riders from the farthest reaches of the country queueing for the chance to experience South Africa’s favourite MTB trails.
It’s the biggest drawcard it is undoubtedly the route which charts an exquisite yet challenging path that embraces much of the Overberg’s history and splendour. Riders are treated to a mix of terrain, including private farm roads, historic wagon paths and majestic mountain single tracks, as they make their way from Lourensford Estate to the coastal town of Hermanus.
The spirit of the FNB Wines2Whales is “gees” – a truly South African phrase that you need to experience to understand. We offer three events that are spread over the ten-day race period – essentially these events are exactly the same as the route does not differ between them; the difference comes in terms of the races’ focus.
The Chardonnay: 25-27 October 2019
The Chardonnay is the most popular of the three events as it takes place over the first weekend of the 10-day race period and offers riders the chance to be amongst the first to experience the brand new sections that we’ve created just for this year’s events. This event is dedicated to Women’s racing and we see some of South Africa’s, and often the world’s, best female riders battle it out for the overall prize money and leaders’ jersey.
The Pinotage: 28-30 October 2019
The Pinotage is the event that sees the highest number of FNB Wines2Whales first-timers and is perfect for international tourists as well as riders from different provinces as it offers participants the chance to enjoy a mid-week race with an enjoyable weekend on either side.
The Shiraz: 1-3 November 2019
The Shiraz takes place over the last weekend of the race and is dedicated to those riders who want to test their skills and fitness against the best in the Men’s, Mixed and Exxaro teams. Generally, the riding is a lot faster and sees many FNB Wines2Whales riders return with a mix of familiarity and determination to compete in their respective age categories.
Stage 1: 65km & 1 700m Climbing – Lourensford Wine Estate to Oak Valley Wine Estate
Spectator points (25, 28 Oct & 1 Nov): Idiom Wines 08:25 – 08:35, Elgin Grabouw Country Club 09:20 – 09:45, Oak Valley 09:50 – 10:30
Stage 2: 64km & 1 500m Climbing – Oak Valley Wine Estate
Spectator points (26, 29 Oct, 2 Nov): Paul Cluver Amphitheatre 08:15 – 08:30, Hickory Shack 09:15 – 09:35, Oak Valley 09:35 – 10:00
Stage 3: 69km & 1 400m Climbing – Oak Valley Wine Estate to Onrus
Spectator points (27, 30 Oct, 3 Nov): Houw Hoek Hotel 07:40 – 07:55, Botrivier Primary 08:00 – 08:25, Plaaskombuis 09:20 – 09:45, Onrus 09:35 – 10.05