Robyn de Groot and Jennie Stenerhag (Ascendis Health) will defend their title at the Wines2Whales Race in Somerset West from November 11 to 13.
South African marathon champion De Groot and Stenerhag, the Swedish marathon title-holder, claimed gold in 2015 after completing the three stages in a time of 9:46:19.
Cherie Redecker will be aiming for a podium place in the Wines2Whales Race. Photo: Andreas Dobslaff
“This will be the third time I will be taking part in the W2W Race,” said De Groot. “With the prize purse having been increased, I expect the women’s category to be very exciting.”
A new combination that just might throw a spanner in the works for De Groot and Stenerhag is Team Spur’s Ariane Kleinhans and Cherie Redecker.
The reigning Swiss marathon champion, Kleinhans says they will be up for the challenge.
“Our goal is to win, but also to enjoy the amazing event as much as possible,” said Kleinhans.
Other teams vying for the top spot on the podium will include Candice Neethling and Vera Adrian (Dormakaba Time Freight), Theresa Ralph and Samantha Sanders (Galileo Risk Valencia) and Michelle Lombardi and Hanlie Booyens (Tiletoria Ladies).
Stage one will begin at Lourensford Wine Estate and end at Oak Valley Wine Estate after 68km and 1 420m of climbing.
The second stage will start and finish at Oak Valley Wine Estate and will cover 64km with 1 400m of climbing.
Riders will be taken on a 69km journey for the third stage, with 1 200m of climbing from Oak Valley Wine Estate to Onrus Caravan Park.
