The third and final stage of the 2014 FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) Race got underway at Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw) on Sunday, 09 November 2014. Setting a blistering pace, riders needed to complete a 74km route that included tricky Houwhoek Switchback Single Tracks and the infamous Hamilton Russel climb, before crossing the finish line at Onrus Caravan Park (just outside Hermanus) where eager family members and friends awaited.
Christoph Sauser and Konny Looser of Team Meerendal-SONGO-Specialized/Wheeler claimed two stage victories and the overall men’s champions’ title at the 2014 FNB W2W MTB Race completing the three day MTB stage race in a lightning fast time of 08 hours 36 minutes 29 seconds Rourke Croeser and Travis Walker of Kargo Pro Team came in second, while Johann Rabie and Gawie Combrinck of Team EAI Cycling finished third.
Robyn De Groot and Catherine Williamson of Team Biogen Toyota / Asrin Cycling claimed the women’s team title completing the three days of racing in a combined time of 10 hours 08 minutes 03 seconds. Jennie Stenerhag and Candice Neethling of Team Cape Brewing Company / Time freight Velolife claimed the second spot on the podium, while Anriette Schoeman and Yolandi Du Toit of Team Africa Silks Garmin finished third.
Ashleigh Moolman and Darren Lill of Team Cannondale Blend powered by RED-E secured the overall mixed team champions’ title completing the three MTB stages in a combined time of 10 hours 13 minutes 44 seconds. According to Moolman, the stage was tough. Mariske Strauss and Hannes Hanekom of Team Giant/Orange Monkey came in second, while Fienie and Kobus Barnard of Team Kromco1 finished third.
“The 2014 FNB Wines2Whales has been everything we hoped for. The overwhelming interest from cyclists around the country proves that this competition is becoming one of the most anticipated events on the cycling calendar. Among its many attributes, we believe that the routes and the camaraderie are some of the unique features which set the FNB Wines2Whales apart. We would like to congratulate all the participants and more importantly, the winners of the three stages,” Michael Vacy-Lyle, CEO FNB Business.
Photo: Cherie Vale NEWSPORT MEDIA