Affectionately known as “Play Day”, Stage Two of the FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Ride started and finished at Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw) on Tuesday, 08 November 2016.
Consisting of a fun-filled 64km route (with 1400m ascent), Stage Two treated mountain bikers to some of W2W’s most iconic sections including: the Paul Cluver Amphi Bike Park with well-known MTB features such as Raka, Swing, Ark, Cobra (switch-backs), Mamba, Boomslang, Pofadder, Jakkels, Pine Singles (now with dual and cross-overs) and the Berms. The day’s action was closed off with the upgraded triple storeyed KROMCO-PERI Bike Park, which stands an impressive 6 – 8m above ground.
Team ACE Lesotho’s Phetetso Monese and Bruce Hughes continued their winning streak claiming their second stage victory in an impressive time of 02 hours 57 minutes 04 seconds. “I had fun today,” says Monese. “The route was really nice. We started with a bunch of six teams. I was worried that they’d make things tough for us, but we managed to breakaway. I enjoyed the bridges at Paul Cluver. I’m not used to riding bridges like that.”
“Today was so much fun,” says an elated Hughes. “We let the other teams pull from the start, while we pushed hard on the single track. We were still with the second team at Water Point Two. From there we opened the gap. Phetetso and I worked really well as a team. We’ll have a substantial lead going into Stage Three. We’ll focus on not doing anything silly and just enjoy the ride home.” Team KAP Prochorus’ Lorenzo Le Roux and Daniel Mannweiler came in second, while Team More Cowbell’s Graeme Dale Kuys and Darryn Stow finished third.
Riding for charity, Team Reeds Miles4Smiles’ Shaun Peters and Johan Louw are supporting Operation Smile South Africa. “Seeing my two children smile is priceless,” says Peters. “Being able to give back through the sport is an amazing opportunity for us. The FNB W2W is special because of the riders, the views and the vibe. Every time I struggled on route, Johan would remind me why we are taking part. Our team strength is our determination toward our cause.”
Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
Team Companero’s Jana Kruger and Ilse Viljoen crossed the finish line first in the women’s race in a time of 03 hours 44 minutes 24 seconds. Team Sterri Stumpi & Beer’s Meike Aschenbroich and Inky Talbot came in second, while Team Vergelegen’s Alta Kriegler and Sunette Beyers finished third.
Team Haaskat’s Russell Lund and Anneke Hanekom also secured their second stage victory (in the mixed team category) with a deserving finishing time of 03 hours 23 minutes 29 seconds. According to Lund, the W2W is South Africa’s ‘must do’ event. “We started out a little too hard today. As a result we are more exhausted. It was a solid day though.”
“The KROMCO-PERI Bike Park was lots of fun,” says Hanekom. “It was nice and cool, just beautiful. My goal for Stage Three is not to be in as much pain as today.” Team Citricom 2’s Jeanie De Villiers and Piet Laubscher came in second, while Team Bike Hub’s Nicholas Webb and Kylie Hanekom finished third.
The final destination stage, Stage Three started at the majestic Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw). Riders had to complete a 69km route that featured a 1200m climb. Iconic sections on route included: passing the Houw Hoek Inn, the oldest hotel in South Africa, meandering through the quaint town of Botriver past the Botriver School, experiencing the magnificent Wildekrans and Hermanus Trails, Gaf-se-Bos, the Fruitways Beach Crossing, the PERI river crossing and then finally crossing the finish line by the sea.
Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
The men’s, women’s and mixed team categories celebrated hat-trick victories on the day.
With the telltale signs of two days of racing in their legs, Team ACE Lesotho’s Phetetso Monese and Bruce Hughes managed to put up a valiant fight, leading the elite men’s race from Water Point Two until the finish. “My legs weren’t feeling great this morning,” says Hughes. “We kept a casual pace until Water Point Two. Phetetso then decided to put it down on the climb, I just followed. Taking part in the W2W is such a privilege. The event just keeps getting better and better.”
“My legs were really sore today,” says Monese. “Stage Three was really exciting, finishing at the sea. W2W is tough. I will definitely train harder next year.” Team ACE Lesotho secured the Stage Three victory in 02 hours 59 minutes 52 seconds and an overall event victory in a combined time of 09 hours 04 minutes 35 seconds. Team KAP Prochorus’ Lorenzo Le Roux and Daniel Mannweiler came in second, while Team Lantau Buffaloes’ HP Odendaal and Daniel Carleton finished third.
According to rally sensation Ashley Haigh Smith, W2W is his highlight event of the year. “Gugu Zulu introduced me to the W2W four years ago. This year I rode in honour of Gugu. There are many reasons why W2W is special. The riders are well looked after, the atmosphere is amazing and a lot of work goes into the trails.”
It was all smiles for Team Haaskat’s Russell Lund and Anneke Hanekom, claiming the Stage Three win in 03 hours 23 minutes 16 seconds, and the overall victory in a combined time of 10 hours 23 minutes 48 seconds. “It all just comes together in the end,” says Lund. “Today was pretty much admin free. We started steady and finished strong.”
“Today was amazing,” said Hanekom. “I can’t decide which stage is better.” Team Bike Hub’s Nicholas Webb and Kylie Hanekom came in second, while Team Citricom 2’s Jeanie De Villiers and Piet Laubscher finished third.
Team Companero’s Jana Kruger and Ilse Viljoen finished strong with a 03 hours 44 minutes 06 seconds Stage Three victory and an overall victory in a combined time of 11 hours 36 minutes 29 seconds. “Stage three was very nice,” says Viljoen. “I am crazy about single track. W2W is amazing, really well organised with perfect routes. This is easily the best event that we’ve ever taken part in.” After three days of racing Team Sterri Stumpi & Beer’s Meike Aschenbroich and Inky Talbot claimed the second spot on the podium, while Team Vergelegen’s Alta Kriegler and Sunette Beyers finished third.
“The Ride certainly lived up to expectations, sustaining great momentum from the first stage. The atmosphere was both intense and enjoyable as the cyclists showcased varying levels of fitness and talent, while being wowed by the amazing scenery. Well done to all the participants and winners. We are looking forward to a spectacular finish as we approach the last stage of the event, the FNB W2W MTB Race,” said Mike Vacy-Lyle, CEO of FNB Business.
Results: FNB Wines2Whales MTB Ride Stage 3
| P_GC | Time Day1 | Time Day2 | Time Day3 | Time GC | Cat1 | Team# | TeamName | Rider1 | Rider2 |
| 1 | 03:07:39 | 02:57:04 | 2:59:52 | 9:04:35 | Open Men | 337 | ACE Lesotho | Phetetso Monese | Bruce Hughes |
| 2 | 03:12:23 | 02:59:36 | 3:02:21 | 9:14:20 | Open Men | 113 | KAP Prochorus | Lorenzo Le Roux | Daniel Mannweiler |
| 3 | 03:13:25 | 03:08:38 | 3:04:07 | 9:26:10 | Sub Vet Men | 1 | Lantau Buffaloes | HP Odendaal | Daniel Carleton |
| 4 | 03:15:36 | 03:05:32 | 3:08:51 | 9:29:59 | Sub Vet Men | 17 | More Cowbell | Graeme Dale Kuys | Darryn Stow |
| 5 | 03:27:05 | 03:10:51 | 3:09:25 | 9:47:21 | Sub Vet Men | 2 | KANTEYS D | Jako Van Heerden | Karl Daschner |
| 8 | 03:23:36 | 03:23:30 | 3:12:21 | 9:59:27 | Veteran Men | 177 | Full Cycle | Mario Ferreira | Maurice Ferreira |
| 6 | 03:24:59 | 03:14:15 | 3:16:06 | 9:55:20 | Sub Vet Men | 7 | Grenade Digital 1 | Colin Daniels | Dwaine Brooks |
| 7 | 03:25:22 | 03:15:42 | 3:17:06 | 9:58:10 | Sub Vet Men | 432 | Xtreme Riders | Pierre Andre Knoetze | Fanie Steenkamp |
| 9 | 03:36:24 | 03:21:01 | 3:19:57 | 10:17:22 | Veteran Men | 34 | Kinetic Cycling Club | Rodney Pedro | Paul Nel |
| 10 | 03:31:17 | 03:21:39 | 3:20:57 | 10:13:53 | Sub Vet Men | 228 | Bicycling SA | Aaron Borrill | Raelen Trew-browne |
| Mixed | |||||||||
| P_GC | Time Day1 | Time Day2 | Time Day3 | Time GC | Cat1 | Team# | TeamName | Rider1 | Rider2 |
| 1 | 03:37:03 | 03:23:29 | 3:23:16 | 10:23:48 | Mixed Team | 592 | Haaskat | Russell Lund | Anneke Hanekom |
| 2 | 03:43:41 | 03:35:04 | 3:31:05 | 10:49:50 | Mixed Team | 71 | Bike Hub | Nicholas Webb | Kylie Hanekom |
| 3 | 03:53:37 | 03:34:45 | 3:31:31 | 10:59:53 | Mixed Team | 31 | Citricom 2 | Jeanie De Villiers | Piet Laubscher |
| 4 | 03:55:36 | 03:38:40 | 3:43:15 | 11:17:31 | Mixed Team | 682 | Team Prentis | Liesel Prentis | Ken Prentis |
| 5 | 04:01:51 | 03:40:53 | 3:45:42 | 11:28:26 | Mixed Team | 95 | Code Red | Tobias Beyers | Carla Beyers |
| 8 | 04:06:38 | 03:57:13 | 3:52:26 | 11:56:17 | Mixed Team | 58 | Suunto Team | Gustav Van Tromp | Sylvia Van Tromp |
| 6 | 04:20:38 | 03:57:54 | 3:52:59 | 12:11:31 | Mixed Team | 136 | Team D and G Momsen | Gayle Momsen | David Momsen |
| 7 | 04:13:20 | 04:03:35 | 3:57:20 | 12:14:15 | Mixed Team | 14 | Tortoise and the Hare | Kerry Stevens | Chris Smit |
| 9 | 04:30:38 | 04:06:02 | 4:03:10 | 12:39:50 | Mixed Team | 44 | The Bald & The Beautiful | Jodi Lea Kearns | Gareth Campbell |
| 10 | 04:40:00 | 04:18:02 | 4:03:40 | 13:01:42 | Mixed Team | 166 | The Tomos | Kerry Leigh Tomaselli | Ricky Tomaselli |
| Women | |||||||||
| P_GC | Time Day1 | Time Day2 | Time Day3 | Time GC | Cat1 | Team# | TeamName | Rider1 | Rider2 |
| 1 | 04:07:59 | 03:44:24 | 3:44:06 | 11:36:29 | Sub Vet Women | 35 | Companero | Jana Kruger | Ilse Viljoen |
| 2 | 04:15:13 | 03:56:02 | 3:53:54 | 12:05:09 | Open Women | 530 | Sterri Stumpi & Beer | Meike Aschenbroich | Inky Talbot |
| 3 | 04:17:40 | 04:00:46 | 3:55:00 | 12:13:26 | Master Women | 429 | Vergelegen | Alta Kriegler | Sunette Beyers |
| 4 | 04:35:18 | 04:30:21 | 4:07:51 | 13:13:30 | Veteran Women | 146 | LOVE THE RIDE | Georgina Smith | Wendy Potgieter |
| 5 | 04:27:43 | 04:08:35 | 4:12:09 | 12:48:27 | Veteran Women | 94 | Carspares Duo | Shannon Kirkhoff | Jenni Opperman |
| 8 | 04:34:56 | 04:18:20 | 4:17:41 | 13:10:57 | Sub Vet Women | 8 | Cruizin couzins | Lynnette Jones | Anushka Wohlberg |
| 6 | 04:35:37 | 04:22:44 | 4:20:33 | 13:18:54 | Veteran Women | 165 | Fast in Frannies | Michele Du Toit | Beverley Wood |
| 7 | 04:52:33 | 04:27:32 | 4:20:47 | 13:40:52 | Sub Vet Women | 140 | Michelle Squared | Michelle Powell | Michelle Schlebusch |
| 9 | 04:38:35 | 04:20:52 | 4:23:30 | 13:22:57 | Sub Vet Women | 480 | Team KK Namibia | Maike Bochert | Anneke Steenkamp |
| 10 | 05:14:46 | 04:35:28 | 4:32:56 | 14:23:10 | Sub Vet Women | 536 | Vista | Brenda Ferrar | Sally Ferguson |
Next Up: The much awaited FNB Wines2Whales MTB Race will kick off at Lourensford Wine Estate on Friday, 11 November 2016.
Stage One: Friday, 11 November 2016
Start Venue: Lourensford Wine Estate
Finish Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw)
Distance & Climb: 68km / 1420m
Stage Two: Saturday, 12 November 2016
Start Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw)
Finish Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw)
Distance & Climb: 64km / 1400m
Stage Three: Sunday, 13 November 2016
Start Venue: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw)
Finish Venue: Onrus Caravan Park
Distance & Climb: 69km / 1200m
Elite men’s teams vying for the top spot on the podium will include: Team Investec-Songo-Specialized’s Christoph Sauser (Switzerland) with Sam Gaze (New Zealand), Team Bulls’ German pairing of Karl Platt with Simon Stiebjahn, another German pairing of Johannes Fröhlinger and Markus Bauer of Team Giant Alpecin Kreidler and Swiss mountain bikers Konny Looser and Fabian Giger of Team BiXS Pro, Philip Buys and Arno du Toit of Team Scott LCB Factory Racing, Team USN Purefit’s Darren Lill and Waylon Woolcock and Team NAD’s Nico Bell and Gawie Combrinck.
The women’s elite race will be dominated by Team Ascendis Health’s Robyn De Groot and Jennie Stenerhag, Team Spur’s Ariane Kleinhans and Cherie Redecker, Team Dormakaba Time Freight’s Candice Neethling with Vera Adrian and Team Galileo Risk Valencia’s Theresa Ralph and Samantha Sanders.
The prize purse for the 2016 FNB W2W MTB Race has increased to an impressive R407 500.00. To add to the excitement, the overall men’s and women’s prize has been increased from R65 000.00 to R100 000.00, while prize money has also been allocated to age group riders.
The prize purse breakdown for the 2016 FNB W2W MTB Race can be viewed here: http://wines2whales.co.za/rider/race-prize-purse/
Source: Newsport Media
