The Liberty Winelands MTB Encounter takes place over three days in the Cape Winelands area of South Africa. The event kicks off at Zorgvliet Wines and finishes at Nederburg in the Paarl.
A selection of photos from each stage, courtesy of Robert Ward, can be viewed below.
Stage one
The first stage of the Winelands MTB Encounter took riders on a 49km route from Zorgvliet Wine Estate to Le Franschhoek Hotel in Franschhoek.
The opening stage was won by the DSV Pro Cycling duo Gert Heyns and Arno du Toit. Second to cross the finish line was ASG-NAD’s HB Kruger and Matt Beers. Imbuko-Momsen’s Dylan Rebello and Marco Joubert completed the podium.
In the mixed team race, Home Ice Cream-Dormakaba’s Matthew Stamatis and Samantha Sanders proved victorious. They were followed home by The Gear Change’s David George and Katie Lennard.
Louise Ferreira and Marleen Lourens won the women’s race.
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- Carmen Buchacher and Paris Basson are racing in the mixed team category at the Liberty Winelands MTB Encounter. Photo: Robert Ward
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- HB Kruger won the Robertson Winery MTB Challenge today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Marco Joubert and Dylan Rebello in action on stage one of the Liberty Winelands MTB Encounter. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Marco Joubert (pictured) and Nicol Carstens won the opening stage of the Gravel & Grape Extreme 3-day mountain bike race in Rawsonville, Western Cape, yesterday. Photo: Robert Ward
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- A far-away view of riders during stage one of the Liberty Winelands MTB Encounter. Photo: Robert Ward
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- A view of a beautiful dam with riders passing along it on stage one of the Liberty Winelands MTB Encounter. Photo: Robert Ward
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- A back view of a mountain biker in action during stage one of the Liberty Winelands MTB Encounter. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Mountain bikers line up for the start of the Liberty Winelands MTB Encounter in the Cape Winelands. Photo: Robert Ward
Stage two
Stage two of the Winelands Encounter took place from Le Franschhoek Hotel in Franschhoek and covered a total distance of 48km.
ASG-NAD’s HB Kruger and Matt Beers outsprinted DSV Pro Cycling’s Gert Heyns and Arno du Toit. Third on the day were Imbuko-Momsen duo Marco Joubert and Dylan Rebello.
The mixed event was once again won by Home Ice Cream-Dormakaba’s Matthew Stamatis and Samantha Sanders. Carmen Buchacher and Paris Basson of dormakaba finished second, followed by Everett and Anna Haywood of Fu King Fast.
Louise Ferreira and Marleen Lourens (Louise-Marleen) secured the win in the women’s race ahead of Companero’s Ilse Viljoen and Jana Kruger. Alta Kriegler and Sunette Beyers rounded out the podium.
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- HB Kruger won the men’s race at the Fedhealth MTB Challenge in Franschhoek today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- DSV Pro Cycling’s Gert Heyns (left) and Arno du Toit pictured at the start of the second stage of the Winelands Encounter at Le Franschhoek Hotel in Franschhoek today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- The second stage of the Winelands Encounter, which was contested over 48km, took place from Le Franschhoek Hotel in Franschhoek today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- A rider waves at the camera man during the second stage of the Winelands Encounter in Franschhoek today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- An image of a rider during the second stage of the Winelands Encounter in Franschhoek today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Riders were treated to delicious treats at a waterpoint during the second stage of the Winelands Encounter in Franschhoek today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Mixed pair Carmen Buchacher (front left) and Paris Basson (front right) of dormakaba in action during stage two of the Winelands Encounter in Franschhoek today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Two riders cross a bridge during the second stage of the Winelands Encounter in Franschhoek today. Photo: Robert Ward
Stage three
The final stage of the Winelands Encounter, which was contested over 50km, took place from Le Franschhoek Hotel in Franschhoek and finished at Nederburg Winery in Paarl.
The overall men’s title went to DSV Pro Cycling’s Gert Heyns and Arno du Toit after they took the stage win on the day.
Louise Ferreira and Marleen Lourens (Louise-Marleen) were crowned the women’s winners when they made it three out of three.
The mixed category was won by Home Ice Cream-Dormakaba’s Matthew Stamatis and Samantha Sanders after they dominated all three stages.
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- Riders received a Winelands Encounter medal after the third stage at Nederburg Winery in Paarl today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Stage three of the Winelands Encounter started at Le Franschhoek Hotel in Franschhoek today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Riders in action during the 50km third stage of the Winelands Encounter today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- ASG-NAD’s Matt Beers leads the men’s team race during the final stage of the Winelands Encounter today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Louise Ferreira (left) and Marleen Lourens won the women’s titles at the Winelands Encounter in Paarl today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Arno du Toit (left) and Gert Heyns (DSV Pro Cycling) pictured here taking the win on stage three of the Winelands Encounter in Paarl today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Marco Joubert (left) and Dylan Rebello of Imbuko-Momsen finished second on stage three of the Winelands Encounter in Paarl today. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Matthew Stamatis (front) and Samantha Sanders in action during the third and final stage of the Winelands Encounter. Photo: Robert Ward
