Veteran route designer Johan Kriegler has targeted a special experience for the riders as he prepares the course for this month’s Liberty Winelands Encounter mountain bike race.
The three-stage, 160km journey through the Cape Winelands starts on April 21 and Kriegler said it had always been labelled “the most beautiful race in South Africa”, something they were keen to maintain.
“Besides going through four picturesque towns in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Wellington, the route provides some amazing views from the mountains in the Boland region,” he said.
“When it comes to planning the route, we consider the most scenic views on offer and strive to create the stages around that.”
The Liberty Winelands Encounter, in partnership with STANLIB, will be aiming to retain its status as the most beautiful race in South Africa when it takes place in the Western Cape from April 21 to 23. Photo: Ewald Sadie
Kriegler said they felt the first stage had been too tough last year for what they were trying to offer, which had resulted in them making it slightly easier this time.
However, he added that it was still a test, but would be manageable for the more recreational riders.
The designer of the Wines2Whales route said the Winelands was the only event allowed on the prestigious L’Ormarins wine estate, which belongs to South African business tycoon Johann Rupert.
He said they would eliminate some of the ascent last year and come into L’Ormarins much lower down.
“We have also included the Boschendal single-track for the first time and we have taken out one or two climbs around the Berg River Dam.”
Kriegler felt certain sections on stages one and three could have a bearing on the final outcome.
“On stage one the Botmaskop climb over 15km with 700m of ascent and the single-track around the Berg River Dam could be decisive,” said Kriegler.
“Stage two has a lot of open riding, but stage three has plenty of single-track and here your technical skills will count for a lot.”
Kriegler said they had started their preparations in December and felt they had achieved their overall objective.
“I know what the potential of the area is and I think in terms of what we wanted to achieve, this is the best we could have done.”
With a total ascent of 3 700km spread evenly over the race, the Liberty Winelands Encounter, in partnership with STANLIB, will cover 54km on the opening stage, 57km on the second day and 48km on the Sunday.
