Entries for the 10th edition of the Wines2Whales Race will officially open tomorrow, Valentine’s Day.
The three-stage race, which takes place from late October to early November, will this year conclude in Hermanus, the most prominent whale-watching site in the Western Cape.
“We are very excited about the new finish for 2018,” said race founder Johan Kriegler. “It is fitting that we as riders will cross the line for the 10th Wines2Whales at the Marine Hotel [in Hermanus] with the ocean and whales in the background.
“We believe this will be amazing for the riders after three days of riding and also for spectators who will come to celebrate with them.”
Last year’s winners Matthys Beukes (front) and Philip Buys in action during the Wines2Whales Race. Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
Gustav Hefer and Fred Coleske, the only pair to have ridden together in all the previous Wines2Whales events, said the race had been special from the start.
“It has a wonderful atmosphere. The trails around Lourensford and Oak Valley are magnificent,” said Coleske. “The camaraderie of the riders and of the organisation is what keeps us coming back.
“It doesn’t feel like we have been riding this race for 10 years. Gustav and I have clicked and we suit each other very well. I cannot wait for November,” he added.
Preferential online entries for those who rode in last year’s Wines2Whales, or those on the waiting list, will open tomorrow (February 14). Entries for the general public open on Friday (February 16).
The three stage races this year will be named after wines in the area. The first race (October 26 to 28) will be the Wines2Whales Chardonnay, the second race (October 29 to 31) the Wines2Whales Pinotage and the third race (November 2 to 4) the Wines2Whales Shiraz.
