The stage one route for the Wines2Whales (W2W) MTB has been announced, with the adventure race taking place first from November 4 to 6.
The first of two destination stages, stage one is the ideal ice breaker, with riders starting off at the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.
Mountain bikers take in the scenery about 1km from the start of the W2W events at Lourensford Wine Estate. Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
They will traverse a 68km route that includes a 1 420m climb and the infamous portage section at Gantouw Pass, before crossing the finish line at the majestic Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw) – home for two days.
“We will never be satisfied that the event has reached its pinnacle. Together with our sponsors and the support of our riders we have a strong desire to continue improving the W2W offering every year.
“We look forward to welcoming riders to the start of a sublime three-day mountain bike experience,” said W2W MTB director Michael Meyer.
Once the adventure, ride and race events are concluded, riders will have crossed through 13 wineries, 26 private farms and six mountain passes.
Stage one summary:
Start: Lourensford Wine Estate
Finish: Oak Valley Wine Estate (Elgin-Grabouw)
Distance: 68km
Climb: 1 420m
• From the start at Lourensford there is an 8km and 450m climb up to the Saddle at 550m. The climb is on a wide gravel road, with both a smooth and hard surface.
• After the Saddle, riders will be greeted by a fast 3km downhill on open gravel roads with good surface and steep corners.
• The Vergelegen climb awaits riders at 30km. It’s a short climb of 380m, but the steepest on the W2W route.
• At 38km riders will be welcomed by Gantouw Pass, a compulsory portage, at a height of 530m.
• From 40km to 55km riders will have some fun on the A-2-Z single-tracks that are moderately technical, but flowing.
• Finally, the last 10km stretch to Oak Valley is different, easier and more interesting than in previous years.
View other routes: stage two, stage three
