Erica Green's journey into mountain biking wasn’t the typical path. She began her athletic career on a different saddle—training as a professional horse rider in Switzerland. But one look at the vibrant world of mountain biking, and she was hooked. Erica bought her first bike, a pink and white Alpine Stars, and never looked back. "I started from the back of the pack and gradually made my way to the front," she says. "The more I trained, the better my results were." Her journey to the top wasn't without challenges.

With limited sponsorships and little support, Erica found herself navigating a sport that wasn’t always friendly to women. "A lot of energy was lost from stress, instead of being able to put that into training and performance," she reflects. Yet, Erica turned those tough times into a powerful coaching career, helping young riders find their way in the sport. At FNB Wines2Whales, Erica has been a key figure in driving the evolution of the race to better support and promote women in mountain biking. The introduction of a "women-only" start group at the event marked a significant milestone—women taking center stage in a traditionally male-dominated sport. "Women can do hard things," she says. "And when women support women, incredible things happen." For Erica, it's about more than just winning; it's about creating a space where women can thrive and inspire each other.

For Mariske Strauss, mountain biking is practically in her DNA. Her path to the professional circuit was peppered with every challenge you could think of—injuries, mental hurdles, financial strains—you name it. But her philosophy is simple: take every chance life throws your way. "I have definitely not had a smooth path, but I probably would not want it any other way," she says. "It’s shaped me into the athlete and person I am today and has taught me a resilience that one can only get by going through the storms."

And speaking of storms, Mariske’s latest adventure is the whirlwind of motherhood. "Although I am new to the title, it has turned my whole world on its head," she laughs. Juggling a sick newborn and sleepless nights has been like tackling a never-ending stage race. But she’s taking it day by day, noting that "it’s important to still do what lights that fire in your soul and be a full-rounded human being."

Mariske sees the FNB Wines2Whales as a second home. "W2W is the only MTB event I know that has a completely separate race for the women, and that has been game-changing! We get 100% limelight and media for that weekend. It’s like a giant girls' weekend where women are the stars."

As the Sponsorship Specialist for FNB, Amy Sharrock is all about creating an environment where women can shine. "Our involvement goes beyond financial backing; it's about fostering inclusivity and enabling positive change," she says. Over the years, Amy has worked tirelessly to ensure that the FNB Wines2Whales event highlights women’s racing, providing equal prize money and increased media exposure. "The goal is to inspire more young girls and women to take up the sport and contribute to a more equitable platform."

Amy sees her role as not just a job but a mission. "Companies need to invest in women-led initiatives, support grassroots programs, and champion diversity within their own organisations," she emphasizes. And if she could have a superpower to help her during the event? "I’d choose the ability to see into the future! To predict what riders and spectators need before they even know it themselves." But she’s quick to add, "Then again, all the fun lies in not knowing what’s coming!"

For Amy, the magic of the FNB Wines2Whales is in its "serious gees"—the camaraderie, the shared experiences, and the electric vibe that keeps riders coming back. "It’s in the moments you didn’t see coming and the way people come together to overcome every obstacle."

Gemma Fundaro, Key Account Events Manager at CIOVITA, plays a key role in shaping the experience for women at FNB Wines2Whales. Through the SHEOVITA campaign, CIOVITA has sponsored women’s teams, created gear specifically designed for female riders, and supported programs that celebrate women in mountain biking. "It’s about making sure every woman feels truly valued and supported," she explains.

One of Gemma’s standout moments was seeing young girls line up to meet mountain biking pro Candice Lill for autographs after each stage. "That’s the true magic of Wines2Whales—it’s not just about the race; it’s about the bonds we create and the inspiration we pass on to those who come after us." For her, the event is all about breaking down barriers and showing women that they belong, both on and off the bike.

Gemma believes companies have a significant role to play in promoting women in sports. "It’s about investing in women’s events, telling the stories of female athletes, and ensuring their needs are met. The more we show up and support, the more we encourage women to step up and participate."

And if she could have a superpower at the event? "The ability to clone myself! There’s so much happening at once, and I’d love to be everywhere, meeting participants, sharing in their excitement, and making the event feel even more special."