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The #SeriousGEES was ever-present during the 2019 FNB Wines2Whales Pinotage. Image by Xavier Briel [FNB Wines2Whales]

#SeriousGEES Reigns Supreme at FNB Wines2Whales Pinotage

By FNB Wines2Whales, 10/30/19, 7:45PM HST

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The #SeriousGEES was ever-present during the 2019 FNB Wines2Whales Pinotage. Image by Xavier Briel

The #SeriousGEES was ever-present during the 2019 FNB Wines2Whales Pinotage. Image by Xavier Briel

The FNB Wines2Whales Pinotage race wrapped-up under clear skies and the warmest temperatures of the week, in Onrus; on Wednesday, 30 October. No amount of rain, hail or mud could dampen the event’s #SeriousGEES on the preceding days; so, the riders deserved the better weather for the final stage. The relaxed atmosphere of the mid-week event ensured that all conditions were embraced with equal gusto.

 

“Over the years, I’ve done all three FNB Wines2Whales races” Craig Kolesky reflected. “I think the mid-week, Pinotage, seriously has all the gees. The people out there are suffering at times, but they’re smiling. Everyone is riding together and having fun. I’ll definitely be back every year to keep riding” the man who is usually seen behind the camera, rather than taking part in events, said.

 

Another stage race veteran, Jaco Pelser concurred with Kolesky. “I rode the first weekend too” Pelser began, explaining how he had taken part in the Chardonnay event. “It’s a race, but you can’t really race it; because it’s the women’s race. So, it’s more about racing for bragging rights between your mates. The Pinotage though is a proper jol. It’s the FNB Wines2Whales event where you just go out every day and have fun. And the food is great! I mean Woolworths outdid themselves. I’ve definitely put a bit of weight on during the event” he laughed.

 

Jeannie and Martin Dreyer eased their way to the Mixed category title at the FNB Wines2Whales Pinotage. Though they were initially more intent on having a good time. Advising fellow married couples on how to take on a stage race Jeannie said: “If you go by what the woman in the team says, because the woman is always right, the situation on the bike will always be a happy situation.” “Jeannie is always right” Martin agreed. “We had two good nights’ sleep, had great chow, amazing trails and even a tail wind today, so I did something right by entering us into the FNB Wines2Whales” he joked. “I didn’t think it could get better than yesterday, but somehow it did. All the downhill today it made it very special” Martin concluded.

 

Having only received an entry on Tuesday, less than a week before the FNB Wines2Whales Pinotage started at Lourenford, Renata Bossi had no time to develop the usual anxiety which plagues first-time stage racers. “The FNB Wines2Whales was my first stage race” she recounted. “I was nervous starting out on Stage 1, but every day I walked or ran a bit less. It was the most rad event ever” the avid trail runner turned mountain biker raved.

 

On Friday the fun continues when the Elite Men and the more serious amateur mountain bikers take to the trails, from Lourensford, to Oak Valley, to Onrus. In the FNB Wines2Whales concluding Shiraz race, there is R100 000 up for grabs for the winning men’s team. Plus, prize money for the Mixed category riders as well as prize money and two bursaries from Curro for the Exxaro Jersey competition winners. Mountain biking fans can follow the action on www.wines2whales.com from 07:00, on Friday the 1st of November.