Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West) was a hive of activity on Monday, 04 November 2013 when just under 700 mountain biking enthusiasts toed the line to be part of the action of the 2013 FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Ride.
Karen Strydom and Esti Loizou of Team Sistas enjoying Stage One of the FNB Wines2Whales MTB Ride from Lourensford Wine Estate to Oak Valley Sport Field (Elgin) on Monday, 04 November 2013. Photo Credit ~ Cherie Vale / NEWSPORT MEDIA
Starting at the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West), riders needed to complete a 76km route before crossing the finish line at the Oak Valley Sport Field (Elgin).
Ryal De Waal and Pieter Uys of Team IQ Green Solutions was the first team to cross the finish line on the day in a time of 04 hours 25 minutes 22 seconds. According to De Waal the FNB Wines2Whales is a world class event. “This is the third time that I take part in the FNB Wines2Whales. Today’s route was awesome, I loved the new single track and am glad that there was very little mud. The conditions were just awesome. We’ll definitely drink a couple of beers tonight for recovery,” laughs De Waal.
Frikkie Hartog and Gerard Dirks of Team Knersus claimed the second spot on the podium, while Mark Midgley and Thinus Meyer of Team Crank Addicts finished third.
Sandra and Graham Ransom of Team ISUZU 2 was the first mixed team home crossing the finish line in 04hours52minutes15seconds. Nadia Visser and Charel Uys of Team J10 came in second, while Franci Joubert and Chris Nel of Team These Island Destinations Hares finished third.
In the ladies race Caroline Schuermans and Janet Keet of Team NH The Lord Charles crossed the finish line first in a time of 05hours 12minutes10seconds. Auralia Edwards and Lee Ziervogel of Team Derailed came in second, while Samantha Oosthuysen and Marlien De Bont of Team Avengers finished third.
“It’s amazing what a difference the weather can make on the routes,” said Hendrico Burger, FNB Wines2Whales MTB Director. “The W2W Adventure riders had a tough Stage One because of the rain, today the W2W Ride riders had a tough time because of the heat. So far the feedback from riders has been great. One group of riders commented that mountain bikers in the Western Cape are really spoiled by awesome routes and scenery. Going into stage two, riders can look forward to spectacular single track that have been nicely smoothed out by our W2W Adventure Riders”.
NEXT UP: Stage Two / Tuesday, 05 November 2013
68km / 1350m Elevation Gain
The Official Food Supplier of the FNB W2W MTB events, Food Lover’s Market is known for placing great emphasis on value, quality and an exceptional retail experience. At the FNB W2W MTB events Food Lover’s Market will be meeting all the essential food requirements of the riders over the three day period both on route and in the race village.
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For more information on the FNB Wines2Whales MTB events contact 076 118 0874, e-mail entries@wines2whales.co.za or visit www.wines2whales.co.za
Video highlights:
Some nice dancing there at the end...