Top South African mountain bikers, Erik Kleinhans and Oliver Munnik of ‘Team William Simpson Invitational’ were crowned champions in the overall men’s category of the inaugural Wines2Whales mountain bike race on Sunday, 15 November 2009 when they completed the three day stage race in an awe-inspiring combined time

Top South African mountain bikers, Erik Kleinhans and Oliver Munnik of ‘Team William Simpson Invitational’ walked away with the championship title in the overall men’s category of the inaugural Wines2Whales mountain bike race on Sunday, 15 November 2009 when they completed the three day stage race in an awe-inspiring combined time of 10hours41minutes35seconds.

According to Kleinhans the day’s route was once again very creative.  “We rode over some seriously rough terrain today some sections actually looked like no one had ever ridden there before it was great.  Overall the Wines2Whales three day mountain bike stage race was amazing.  The event organisers have really done an outstanding job in putting together an exciting event for mountain bikers to compete in.  Oliver and I will definitely be back next year,” says Kleinhans.  ‘Team Raubwood’ placed second, while ‘Team Fairbairn Private Bank’ finished third. 

Penni Rawstorne and Tatum Prince of ‘Team Hot Box’ were crowed the overall women’s champions when they completed the Wines2Whales three day mountain bike stage race in an impressive combined time of 13hours33minutes45seconds.  According to Prince they had a fantastic ride.  “The Wines2Whales race will most certainly be sold out next year, with one surprise after the other it really is a fantastic event.  Each day’s route was lovely and diverse with the most amazing scenery.  I’m definitely going to get my husband to take part next year as well,” says Prince.  ‘Team Crazy Chicks’ placed second, while ‘Team Grapes & Guppies’ finished third.

‘Team GT Jeep Maties’ obtained a first place position in the mixed team category of the Wines2Whales three day mountain bike stage race when they completed the event in a combined time of 11hours31minutes28seconds.  ‘Team Survivors’ placed second, while ‘Team Oak Valley’ finished third.

Over the course of 3 days teams consisting of two cyclists each had to cross approximately 230 km of the Western Cape’s most beautiful and unspoilt terrain.  The third and final stage of the Wines2Whales three-day mountain bike stage race started at 07h00 on Sunday, 15 November 2009 at Paul Cluver Wine Farm, Elgin.  Riders had to endure the toughest, but also most rewarding stage of the race.  Route designer Johan Kriegler 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.  This 77km stage included a good deal of ‘never ridden before’ trails, including parts of Groenlandberg, the historic Katberg Pass, the Botriver Valley, Karwyderskraal and the Hemel en Aarde valle before ending at the Old Harbour in Hermanus. 

For more information on the Wines2Whales three day stage 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