Erik Kleinhans and Oliver Munnik of ‘Team William Simpson2’ were victorious in the men’s category during Stage One of the Wines2Whales three-day mountain bike stage race that took place on Friday, 13 November 2009 (starting at Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West and ending at Paul Cluver Wine Farm, Elgin). Seen here (left): Oliver Munnik

Over 300 of South Africa’s top and lifestyle riders gathered at Lourensford Wine Estate on Friday, 13 November 2009 to take on Stage One of the inaugural Wines2Whales three-day mountain bike stage race.

Well known mountain bikers Erik Kleinhans and Oliver Munnik of ‘Team William Simpson2’ were victorious in the men’s category on the day when they completed the 68km route in an impressive 03hours32minutes31seconds.  According to Kleinhans the route was awesome.  “We had an amazing race, the route was both challenging and fun.  Our plan for Stage Two is to be conservative.  We’re going to stick to the lead riders, hopefully we’ll be able to maintain our lead and just have fun,” says Kleinhans.  ‘Team Raubwood’ came in 2nd, while ‘Team Fairbairn Private Bank’ finished 3rd.

Penni Rawstorne and Tatum Prince of ‘Team Hot Box’ placed 1st in the women’s category during Stage One of the Wines2Whales three-day mountain bike stage race when they crossed the finish line in 04hours40minutes32seconds.  According to Rawstorne the race was brilliant.  ‘The course was absolutely amazing and the organisation was brilliant.  We just had such a good time today.  We don’t have a strategy for Stage Two, we’re just going to have fun,” says Rawstorne.  ‘Team Crazy Chicks’ came in 2nd, while ‘Team Grapes & Guppies’ finished 3rd.

Stage Two of the action packed Wines2Whales three-day mountain bike stage race will start at 07h00 on Saturday, 14 November 2009 at Paul Cluver Wine Farm, Elgin.  Route designer Johan Kriegler has tapped the knowledge of the locals to include some of the best mountain biking trails in the area, including some single and Jeep tracks linked with locally hand-built trails for the perfect experience. Riders will again return to the race village in Elgin to prepare for the final stage on Sunday, 15 November 2009. 

Over the course of 3 days, teams consisting of two cyclists each will cross approximately 230 km of the Western Cape’s most beautiful and unspoilt terrain.  Riders can expect to see breathtaking scenery and spectacular mountain-biking terrain, as well as the opportunity to test their endurance and skill. Family and friends will also be able to support their favourite teams along the spectator friendly route.

For more information on the Wines2Whales race please contact Stillwater Sport and Entertainment on (021) 883 – 2413 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it