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.
The Chardonnay: 5 – 7 Nov 2021
The Chardonnay is the most popular of the three events as it takes place over the first weekend of the 10-day race period and offers riders the chance to be amongst the first to experience the brand new sections that we’ve created just for this year’s events. This event is dedicated to Women’s racing and we see some of South Africa’s, and often the world’s, best female riders battle it out for the overall prize money and leader jerseys.
Women’s Racing
GEES
Serious
The Pinotage: 8 – 10 Nov 2021
The Pinotage is the event that sees the highest number of FNB Wines2Whales first-timers and 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.
E-Bikes
GEES
Serious
The Shiraz: 12 – 14 Nov 2021
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.
Men’s Racing
GEES
Serious
What is #SeriousGees
#SeriousGEES is the excitement of the start line.
- It’s the whoops in the singletrack.
- It’s the smiles and the thumbs ups.
#SeriousGEES is the memories made.
- It’s the stories shared over a glass of wine in the evenings.
- It’s the experience of riding South Africa’s favourite MTB trails alongside likeminded individuals.
#SeriousGEES is what awaits at the FNB Wines2Whales.
The FNB Wines2Whales was born out of the desire to create a world-class 3-day stage race in the Western Cape of South Africa. Since inception in 2009, the three events, aptly named after the wines of the area, have become a must-do event on the mountain bike calendar with riders from the farthest reaches of the country and the world.
Its biggest drawcard is undoubtedly the route, which has been perfected over the past 11 years. In 2021, the traditional route will see an immense change as the FNB Wines2Whales switches back on itself and takes riders from the whales of Onrus to the wines of Lourensford. The 2021 FNB Wines2Whales is no simple route reversal – it is a dramatic reimagining of the route and the trails that have become firm favourites.
The 2021 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 historic wagon path.
The spirit of the FNB Wines2Whales is “gees” – 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 running of the FNB Wines2Whales Switchback.
Involve
Race Office
registration@wines2whales.com
+27 21 422 0331
