Nearly 4000 riders will be taking on this week’s FNB Wines2Whales Mountain Bike event as they make their way through 208km of the Cape’s most scenic landscapes.
This year’s instalment will comprise of three separate events with the final group setting off from 4 to 6 November.
The first riders departed from Lourensford Wine Estate on Friday and Saturday saw Kim le Court and Vera Looser retaining the women’s lead as they twisted and turned through Oak Valley and Paul Cluver Estates to secure the 68km, second stage.
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The next batch of riders will be on their way from Somerset West to Hermanus via Grabouw on Monday morning.
The 2022 edition of the will also be assisting in fundraising for the Botrivier Educational Foundation, Groenlandberg Conservancy, De Rust Futura, Cape Leopard Trust, Timothy James Harlow Foundation, Ann Foundation and the Pebbles Project.
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City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith welcomed the riders to the province, adding the city was pleased to be part of the MTB showcase.
“We are thrilled that Cape Town is one of the hosts for Wines2Whales, which has been voted as the most popular stage race in the country,” he said. “Because a majority of the participants come from outside the Western Cape, this race provides us with an opportunity to promote Cape Town to these riders and the international audience watching the race.”
“It is a wonderful showcase of the Western Cape’s natural beauty.”
Smith added that the 3900 participants would be joined by several City of Cape Town officials, representing various teams as he wished them the best of luck.
“We would also like to wish our City of Cape Town colleagues, who will be riding the race route, well as they navigate the grueling route on the way to Hermanus.”
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Photo: Pexels
