The FNB Wines2Whales was born out of the desire to establish a world-class 3-day stage race in the Western Cape of South Africa. Since inception in 2009, it has become a must-do event on the mountain bike calendar, with riders from the farthest reaches of the country queueing for the chance to experience South Africa's favourite MTB trails.
Its biggest drawcard is undoubtedly the route, which has been perfected over the past 11 years. In 2020, the traditional route will see an immense change as the FNB Wines2Whales Switchback switches back on itself and takes riders from the whales of Hermanus to the wines of Lourensford. The 2020 FNB Wines2Whales Switchback is no simple route reversal - it is a dramatic reimagining of the route and the trails that have become firm favourites.
The 2020 FNB Wines2Whales Switchback will deliver a mountain bike experience unlike any other in South Africa as it takes in a mix of terrain including private farm roads, majestic mountain singletracks and a descent of the historic wagon path that thousands of riders have hiked over the past 11 years.
The spirit of the FNB Wines2Whales is "gees" - a truly South African phrase that is only understood once experienced. In 2020, we expect the gees to be at an all-time high as riders write the history books in the inaugural FNB Wines2Whales Switchback.
The FNB Wines2Whales boasts three events spread over 10 days - the Chardonnay, Pinotage and Shiraz - which ensure there is something for all skillsets with the focus clearly stamped on celebrating the love of mountain biking and the culture that accompanies it.
Chardonnay: 30 October 2020 - 1 November 2020
The Chardonnay is the most popular of the three events as it takes place over the first weekend of the 10-day race period. This event is dedicated to Women's racing and sees South Africa's, and often the world's, best female riders battle it out for the overall prize money and leader jerseys.
The 2020 Chardonnay has a unique benefit in that it offers riders the chance to be amongst the first to experience the brand new sections that have been created just for this year's events.
Pinotage: 2-4 November 2020
Hosted during the week, the Pinotage is the event that sees the highest number of FNB Wines2Whales first-timers. Due to its timing, it is perfect for international tourists as well as riders from different provinces as it offers participants the chance to enjoy a mid-week race with an enjoyable weekend on either side where the majestic Western Cape can be explored.
Shiraz: 6-8 November 2020
The Shiraz takes place over the last weekend of the race and is dedicated to those riders who want to test their skills and fitness against the best in the Men's, Mixed and Exxaro teams. Generally, the riding is a lot faster and sees many FNB Wines2Whales riders return with a mix of familiarity and determination to compete in their respective age categories.
The FNB Wines2Whales is more about the journey than the destination, but no matter your inclinations or ambitions, you're guaranteed a fun-filled, action-packed three days of riding alongside many like-minded people.
For more information visit:
http://wines2whales.com
Participating in the FNB Wines2Whales is no easy feat and riders who cross the finish line on day 3 would have certainly had a helping hand along the way.
For the FNB Wines2Whales rider, it's the encouragement from their teammates when they hit that hard stretch and feel like they can't go any further. Their loved ones waiting for them at the finish line motivating them to keep going. The community and spectators that come out in numbers to cheer them on. The mechanics fixing punctures as riders' bikes fail them. It's all the men and women working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure there is a race to be ridden. It's the #SeriousGEES that makes the FNB Wines2Whales such an enjoyable time on two wheels.
Doing things alone - while possible - can be difficult and a friendly hand at any point along your journey can have a big impact, be it in your daily life, or while running your business. How can we help you?
