Route overview

Duration

3 Days —

Distance

189KM —

Climbing

3850M —

The 2026 route will follow the original direction from Lourensford to Oak Valley finishing at Benguela Cove.

2026 Route is here

Come along for a journey from Lourensford Estate to Benguela Cove via Oak Valley Estate as JK, Hendrico, Pieter and Lance share the story of the route and what is waiting for you in 2026!

Quick Links

Select a stage to see more details

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Overview

Snapshot

STAGE	START	FINISH	Distance
Elite Prologue*	Lourensford Estate	Lourensford Estate	21km
Stage 1	Lourensford Estate	Oak Valley Estate	61km
Stage 2	Oak Valley Estate	Oak Valley Estate	65km
Stage 3	Oak Valley Estate	Benguela Cove	63km

*Please note only the Elite racing Women in Chardonnay and Men in Shiraz will be riding the Prologue

*Final distances will be confirmed on race day

Stage 1

Image
Lourensford to Oak Valley Estate 60km | 1,400m climbing
The 2026 FNB Wines2Whales begins at Lourensford Wine Estate with a climb that quickly spreads the field and rewards riders with sweeping views across False Bay. From the summit, the trail drops down, including the new Rock Wall feature, one of the biggest berms ever built on a South African trail.
Fast, flowing singletrack through Schoeman's and Blue Gum carries riders towards the first Water Point at the Cork Forest before the route traverses Vergelegen and Wedderville. Here, fresh sections of singletrack add a new dimension to the opening stage.
After refuelling at Water Point 2 at Idiom, riders tackle the legendary Gantouw Pass. This historic national heritage site is a compulsory portage for all riders.
The reward comes soon after with the thrilling descent of A-Z before riders reach the final Water Point above Eikenhof Dam. From there, the route winds around the Dam Trail to the Trail's End Crossing and climbs onto the Protea Trail for one final test before the descent into Oak Valley Estate.
Image

Lourensford Wine Estate to Oak Valley Estate

UP THE OLD WAGON TRAIL

Distance 61km | Climbing 1400m

Start Location Lourensford Wine Estate

Finish Location Oak Valley Estate

Stage 2

Image
Oak Valley Estate, 62km | 1100m climbing
The traditional Oak Valley Play Day is exactly what FNB Wines2Whales is all about, world-class singletrack, big smiles and plenty of gees.
The opening kilometres roll through the orchards and vineyards before the route dives into Oak Valley's renowned trail network. Riders will quickly find their rhythm on favourites such as Rhys's Rollercoaster and Sounds of Silence before crossing the dam and heading towards Cow Trail.
A hydration point at the base of the climb provides a welcome opportunity to refuel before tackling Rietvlei Stairs. The route then passes through Witklippies, where traces of the dramatic 2024 floods can still be seen, before dropping into the flowing corners and natural rhythm of Rietvlei Magic. A short climb takes you to Water Point 1 at Paul Clüver Amphitheatre. From there, riders enter one of the most iconic sequences of trail in the valley with the Cobra, Bergadder and Pofadder, before the climb to Tierkop rewards riders with spectacular views across Elgin. The descent leads to Water Point 2 and the all-new PC Playpark, the Toyota Cruise Section of the day.
Crossing the swing bridge, the route returns to the Paul Clüver Amphitheatre, giving spectators another opportunity to cheer riders on from one of the best viewing spots on the route. The journey home is packed with crowd favourites. Snake Snatcher, Harrier Hawk, Wave Runner and the new Big Box Tunnel combine to create a fitting finale to a day built around exceptional trail riding.
Image

Oak Valley Estate

PLAYDAY

Distance 65km | Climbing 1350m

Start Location Oak Valley Estate

Finish Location Oak Valley Estate

Stage 3

Image
Oak Valley Estate - Benguela Cove 62km | 1110m climbing

The final day starts with a fast run before the route heads through Paul Clüver and past Lebanon Village towards Houw Hoek. Riders descend the Switchbacks to the first Water Point before tackling the famous drop off Katpas into Botrivier.
This is one of the quickest descents of the race and rewards riders who stay smooth and controlled. The route continues towards Beaumont's Jakkals before crossing the river and heading to Water Point 2 at Genevieve MCC. The final challenge begins after the traditional Steel Bridge crossing as riders climb onto the Karwyders Contour and through Gap se Bos.
The last Water Point at Escape Wines offers one final opportunity to refuel before the run to the coast. A descent down Jannie se Pad opens up breathtaking views across the Botrivier Lagoon The landscape begins to change, the smell of the ocean grows stronger, and the finish line comes into sight. The final kilometres hug the water's edge before riders roll into Benguela Cove to complete their FNB Wines2Whales journey.
Image