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In the heart of South Africa’s captivating Outeniqua Mountains lies the Finovo Jakkalberry Extreme Gravel/Mountain Bike Race—an exhilarating 108km journey that calls the adventurous spirit of avid cyclists. Beginning at the stunning Redberry Farm in George, the race winds through the challenging terrains of district gravel roads and Jeep tracks, offering participants a breathtaking blend of rugged landscapes. The route unfolds through Herbertsdale before ending at the finish line, nestled at the stunning Jakkalsvlei Wine Cellars. For those seeking a slightly tamer challenge, the “HalfJakk” race covers an equally impressive 47km, commencing two hours later from Ruiterbosch Lodge near Hartenbos. […] View full article

Home to some of the toughest mountain biking races in the world, characterized by their undulating, scenic yet brutal landscapes – South African mountain biking is like no other. Participants of the Cape Epic or Attakwas will be all too familiar with South Africa’s relentless terrain. Endless gravel roads that don’t feel suitable for even […] View full article

Riders enjoyed round two of mountain biking magic on Sunday 19 November 2023 as the final stage of SA’s MTB Party of the year, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience got underway at the Coetzenburg Stellenbosch University. “The 2023 Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience was action packed from start to finish,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “It was a true celebration of the sport, where riders from all walks of life came together to enjoy Stellenbosch’s iconic routes, the stunning scenery, and fantastic camaraderie. The event embraced the ethos of having fun on two wheels, […] View full article

Scicon Sports, known for its focus on designing and manufacturing high-quality sports equipment, particularly in the field of cycling. Recognized for their innovative solutions in the cycling industry, with a specialisation in bike bags and cases for travel, as well as other cycling accessories including Sports Performance eyewear. This Black Friday, Scicon is offering some amazing deals! Early Bird Access from the 16th to the 19th of November, you get a saddle bag as a FREE GIFT on any order. All bags and luggage, as well as clothing, will be 50% off.  You can get your 50% discount on eyewear […] View full article

Join us for the Dis-Chem Ride for Sight taking place on Sunday, 18 February 2024 at City Stadium, Jubilee Road, Boksburg. There will be three distances to choose from: the 116km Super Classic presented by Ensure; the 62km DS 24 Challenge and a new 8km fun ride. Willing to help disabled riders participate by piloting a tandem? Fill in this FORM The 116km is a CSA sanctioned event with cash prizes in all the CSA racing categories. The 62km will be awarding category prizes in all relevant age groups. The 62 km Disabled category will cater for Disabled tandems, hand […] View full article

What makes a product a Thule product? Is it the way it looks, or the functionality? Or is it a combination? Henrik Ericsson, Global Design Director, explains how design is central to product development. It all happens in Hillerstorp, the small town in southern Sweden where Thule was founded. Design, product development, testing – and even manufacturing of several components all happens here. Henrik Eriksson has been with Thule for several years and has been involved in the design of many classic Thule products. Henrik, in many ways it is a different workplace now compared to when you started, right? […] View full article

The cycling industry has been trading in a tough environment for some time, and the team at Cannondale South Africa decided it was time to stir things up in the run-up to the summer cycling season. Over a period of 3 weeks Cannondale bikes will be available at incredible prices. If there ever was a time to upgrade your bike, or switch to the brand with the Lefty, the time is now. The Cannondale Summer Price Promotion will start on Friday 10 November and end at midnight on 30 November 2023. “We want to stimulate bike sales, but more importantly, […] View full article

In The Rhino Run 2022, CIOVITA Ambassador, Kevin ‘Benky’ Benkenstein experienced the kind of setback that might break a lesser spirit. To push oneself to the limit, and traverse over 2,700 kilometres of demanding terrain, only to fall short in the final push is a harrowing experience. It is the kind of moment that can linger in one’s mind, casting long shadows of doubt and regret. However, for athletes like Kevin, such moments are not endpoints but beginnings. They serve as powerful motivators, the fuel that drives them to return, to try once more, to conquer not just the physical […] View full article

The final stage of the 2023 FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz saw Cannondale Factory Racing sail to victory; on Sunday, 29 October. Alan Hatherly and Simon Andreassen completed a clean sweep of stage victories en route to the title, yet the win was not secure until after the Gantouw Pass portage on Stage 3. Imbuko Giant A had pushed them close for two days and were only distanced within the final 30 kilometres of the 185 kilometres of racing. On Stage 1, Marco Joubert and Wessel Botha had fought to remain in contact with the pre-race favourites. Botha suffered a puncture before […] View full article

Stage 2 of the FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz saw the second sprint finish in as many days – on Saturday, 28 October – was again though on the Oak Valley finish line Marco Joubert went down and ceded time to Alan Hatherly and Simon Andreassen. The Cannondale Factory Racing pair had controlled the pace throughout the stage but were unable to distance Imbuko Giant. Behind them PYGA Euro Steel stepped up on to the podium for the day, but were unable to overturn their deficit to Elysator.ch who remain third overall. After the rain which fell on Oak Valley and Paul Cluver wine […] View full article

The opening stage of the final event of the 2023 FNB Wines2Whales Switchback lived up to the pre-race billing. Cannondale Factory Racing and Imbuko Giant took it to the line with Alan Hatherly and Simon Andreassen edging out Marco Joubert and Wessel Botha. Behind them Felix Stehli endured a mechanical and a crash to come home third, alongside defending champion Konny Looser. Friday, 27 October, was just an appetiser though for what is to come in the Shiraz race. Soft drizzle fell on Lourensford Wine Estate as the teams prepared to take on the Shiraz course. The stage would be […] View full article

Staring on Friday 27 October the Shiraz race sees battle lines drawn between a stacked field of elite men’s teams. There are arguably three tiers of teams: the favourites, the dark horses and those who will be racing for a top ten finish. PYGA Euro Steel, Imbuko Giant A, Insect Science, Elysator.ch and Cannondale Factory Racing headline the 2023 edition of FNB Wines2Whales. The team whose name which jumps immediately from the list is Cannondale Factory Racing. Alan Hatherly and Simon Andreassen are not frequent stage racers. Their World Cup pedigree is such however that if they start fresh rather than fatigued, […] View full article

The reigning E-Bike World Champion Joris Ryf lined up in Lourensford to start the FNB W2W Pinotage alongside honourary local, and S-Racing team manager, Benno Willeit. The pair powered to a comprehensive victory, winning the title by 32 minutes and 4 seconds. E-bike racing is a fairly new, and sometimes contentious, addition to race rosters. It dials up the speed and intensity at the sharp end of the field, and the fun factor for all involved, as well as allowing riders that otherwise wouldn’t be able to, to participate in events and experience the joy of cycling. Here we take […] View full article

E-Bike racing is a relatively new phenomenon. The inaugural E-MTB World Championships were held during the 2019 Mountain Biking World Championships, in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada. In 2021 FNB Wines2Whales included an E-Bike category for the first time, then in 2022 the Pinotage event hosted an E-Bike race too. In 2023 the reigning E-Bike World Champion Joris Ryf lined up in Lourensford to start the FNB W2W Pinotage. Taking part alongside Benno Willeit, Ryf dominated the competition winning the title by 32 minutes and 4 seconds; as the race finished in Lourensford Wine Estate on Wednesday, 25 October.   Ryf rode with […] View full article

The time is now to enter and experience first-hand all the beauty and hospitality of this region and have a bit of fun too! You can sit back and relax after each day of cycling and braai a marshmallow with friends and family at the fire while strategising your plan to win the wheelbarrow race at the newly renovated AW Barn on Day 2! Local caterers put their best foot forward to ensure you have delicious meals to keep you fuelled for your Karoo adventure! The first day kicks off with registration and a 20km night ride. The stars seem […] View full article

The upcoming 10th annual Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience promises to deliver exciting route enhancements that are guaranteed to captivate riders from start to finish in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch on both Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2023. “We’re excited to mark a decade of mountain biking excellence at the 2023 Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Event Founder. “This 10th-anniversary celebration will be one for the history books. Stellenbosch’s extensive network of world-class and exclusive trails have and always will be the event’s foundation, however this year […] View full article

This year’s Amashova Durban Classic Race saw thousands of cyclists taking part in a spectacular showcase of talent and determination, cementing its status as one of South Africa’s premier cycling events. The Amashova received over 4000 entries for the 2023 race. Cyclists of all skill levels, from amateurs to seasoned professionals, tested their mettle on the challenging course, in very wet and windy conditions along most of the route.  The weather did not deter cyclists’ enthusiasm, and riders crossed the finish line with beaming smiles and high spirits! The race was marked by fierce competition, with riders pushing their limits […] View full article

After three days of racing in all all-manner of conditions Candice Lill and Tyler Jacobs emerged victorious from the 2023 FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay race. The Computer Mania Seattle Coffee Co. team notched up three straight stage victories to claim the overall title by 9 minutes and 5 seconds from Safari Essence Imbuko; on Sunday, 22 October. Tiffany Keep and Danielle Strydom had themselves enjoyed a stellar race, after overcoming a difficult opening stage to finish second on Stages 2 and 3 en route to sealing silver.  Cherise Willeit and Smantha Sanders, Sandton City Efficient Infiniti, completed the final stage and […] View full article

Stage 2 of the 2023 FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay race, on 21 October, saw a steady overnight drizzle persist into Saturday’s racing. This turned the already water damaged roads and trails into a sodden mud-fest. It did not prevent Candice Lill and Tyler Jacobs racing to a second stage victory however. The Computer Mania Seattle Coffee Co. team put a further 2 minutes and 6 seconds into their new nearest rivals, Tiffany Keep and Danielle Strydom; while the Safari Essence Imbuko pairing enjoyed a good day themselves, leapfrogging into second. The overnight rain enforced more route changes, with the course being […] View full article

The opening stage of the 2023 FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay race not only kicked off the women’s racing but also signalled the start of the three-event series of three-day races. Pre-race drama, in the form of route changes, which necessitated Stage 1 being moved to Lourensford Wine Estate, spilled into drama on the trails too. There were crashes and punctures, but Candice Lill and Tyler Jacobs enjoyed a smooth and issue free ride through the 55 kilometre long course. The Computer Mania Seattle Coffee Co team were thus able to take home the stage victory. They were followed across the line […] View full article

The racing women get the FNB Wines2Whales racing action underway on Friday, 20 October. The story of the event there is that the Queens of the Epic Series in 2023, Vera Looser and Kim le Court, will not be racing together and will as such not be lining up to defend their 2022 title. This throws the race wide open and will almost certainly see at least one first time winner, from a team of two riders, crowned as champion. The big news ahead of the Chardonnay race is that Le Court will miss out with injury. The Mauritian has […] View full article

Since the devastating floods in the Western Cape, the event organisers and local authorities have been working closely to ensure the event can go ahead safely and be filled with #SeriousGees as always. The recent reopening of the Hemel en Aarde as well as Karwyderskraal roads has meant a dramatic increase in vehicle traffic on these roads, which presents a safety risk to our riders on the originally planned Stage 1 of the 2023 FNB Wines2Whales Switchback. The race will now proceed with Stage 1 both starting and finishing at Lourensford Wine Estate. Teams will then be shuttled to Oak […] View full article

Calling all gravel bike enthusiasts! We are thrilled to announce that entries for the highly anticipated Stanford 100 Miler are officially open. Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure at the Stanford 100 Miler, the ultimate gravel bike hunt. This exciting event will take place on 9 December 2023, inviting discerning gravel bike riders to saddle up and join the challenge of a lifetime. WIN an Entry to the Stanford 100 Miler Drop your email address HERE to subscribe to recieve updates from Bike Hub and the Stanford 100 Miler. You’ll be entered into a lucky draw to win […] View full article

Joshua Sole, a 14-year-old cancer warrior, is leading Reach For A Dream’s charity team – the Dream Riders – in the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg 2023. This young cyclist is pedalling not just for his love of the sport but to inspire hope in children battling life-threatening illnesses. At eight years old, Joshua was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma—an uncommon type of soft tissue cancer in children. His treatment regimen was intense, involving 12 surgeries, over 100 days of hospitalization, 14 months of chemotherapy, and 60 days of radiation. Despite these challenges, which included losing 15 friends, Joshua’s spirit remained […] View full article

Today Zipp launch their 1ZERO HITOP MTB Wheelsets. They feature a proprietary carbon layup to provide compliance and confidence when the trail gets rough, low weight for effortless accelerations and climbing, while a winged rim top provides a smooth resting surface for the tire, reducing the chance of pinch flats after a rock hit. See the full press release, and find out about local availability below: 1ZERO HITOP SW Riding is believing with the Zipp 1ZERO HITOP SW MTB wheelset when it comes to making you faster. Trail compliance is vital, with modern cross-country races becoming rougher and more challenging. […] View full article