Erik Kleinhans & James Reid Claim Victory in FNB Wines2Whales Race

In their final competitive race in RECM colours, at the FNB Wines2Whales MTB Race, Erik Kleinhans and James Reid claimed victory, while Ariane Kleinhans riding with Candice Neethling finished second in the ladies category and Nico Bell racing with Pieter Seyffert. From the Full Sus team we’d like to wish all the Team RECM riders, including Cherise Stander who missed W2W, the best of luck with their new teams for 2016. And extend a special congratulations to Erik for closing off the season in style!

Erik re-hydrating after a tough stage 3 of the 2015 FNB Wines2Whales MTB Race.
Erik re-hydrating after a tough stage 3 of the 2015 FNB Wines2Whales MTB Race.

You can stay updated on Erik’s racing next year by reading his regular column in Full Sus!


FNB-WINES2WHALES-MTB

Official Report from Day 3 of the FNB Wines2Whales MTB Race

Team RECM’s Erik Kleinhans and James Reid closed their racing season off on a high note on Sunday, 08 November 2015 by claiming gold at the FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Three Day Mountain Bike (MTB) Stage Race.

Although Stage Three saw Team RECM crossing the finish line in second place, a mere 59 seconds behind Gawie Combrinck and Johann Rabie of Team EAI South Africa, their combined efforts over the three days firmly placed them on the top step of the podium, with an impressive overall finishing time of 08 hours 17 minutes 19 seconds.  “Hats off to Gawie and Johann for giving us a good go today,” said Kleinhans.  “From the start it was clear that Team EAI had a plan to make up the two minute gap to secure the overall second place position.  With about 5km to go we accepted that they were the stronger team, and just focused on enjoying the last kilometres to the finish.  This is our last race in the RECM colours.  It’s been a great journey with our sponsors who have actually become friends.  W2W is the best race.  From the trails, to the food and organisation, the organisers have everything perfectly dialled. ”  Gawie Combrinck and Johan Rabie of Team EAI South Africa came in second, while Adriaan Louw and Hendrik Kruger of Team CONTEGO Pro MTB finished third.

James Reid and Nico Bell in action during stage 3.
James Reid and Nico Bell in action during stage 3.

Robyn De Groot and Jennie Stenerhag of Team Ascendis Health set the pace in the women’s race claiming victory in a well-deserved combined time of 09 hours 46 minutes 19 seconds.  “Stage Three was fast from the start,” said De Groot.  “Although Jennie and I struggled on Stage Two, we had a good day today as partners, working well together.  It was really nice competing against Candice and Ariane.  With Ascendis Health sponsoring the ladies MTB team this year, it is really special for us to claim the top spot on the podium.  W2W is mountain biking candy.  It doesn’t get better than this.”  Candice Neethling and Ariane Kleinhans of Team RECM Ladies came in second, while Theresa Ralph and Samantha Sanders of Team Galileo Risk Valencia finished third.

Power couple Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio and Carl Pasio of Team Bigla claimed victory in the mixed team category with a combined finishing time of 10 hours 07 minutes and 05 seconds.  “Today I realised that a lack in mountain bike training will definitely cost you,” laughed Moolman-Pasio.  “The stage was really tough.  Carl rode really well today and pulled me through it.  W2W is a great race and a fun way to finish the year.”  Andreas Studer and Carmen Buchacher of Team Craft cycling came in second, while Yolandi Du Toit and Gordon Alan finished third.

“The camaraderie, spectacular route and intense competition make the FNB Wines2Whales one of the sought-after races in South Africa. This competition is rapidly becoming a flagship event for cyclists in and outside of South Africa, and FNB Business is delighted to be in a position to enable this experience for the participants, including our clients. We would like to congratulate the winners of the three stages and every cyclist who took part in this year’s race,” said Mike Vacy-Lyle, CEO FNB Business.

Candice Neethling standing in for Cherise Stander as Ariane Kleinhans' team mate for the 2015 W2W Race.
Candice Neethling standing in for Cherise Stander as Ariane Kleinhans’ team mate for the 2015 W2W Race.

The prize purse for the 2015 FNB W2W MTB Race was increased by R31 500, taking the overall total to a whopping R381 500.  The overall men’s and women’s teams took home a prize purse of R65 000 after Stage Three.  Runners up were awarded R30 000, while the final team on the podium won R17 500.

The 2015 FNB W2W MTB Events attracted an impressive field of 3900 riders (1950 teams of two) over the three events (Adventure, Ride and Race).  Kicking off at the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West) teams had to cross through (and over) 13 wineries, 26 private farms, six mountains, historic roads and mountain passes, nature conservation areas (including the Kogelberg Biosphere) before finishing within sight of the famous whales of Hermanus!


Erik Kleinhans and James Reid might have finished 2nd on the final day but they did more than enough to seal the overall victory.
Erik Kleinhans and James Reid might have finished 2nd on the final day but they did more than enough to seal the overall victory.

Entries for the 2016 events will open on Monday, 15 February 2016.

For more information on the FNB Wines2Whales MTB events contact 083 760 3158, e-mail race@wines2whales.co.za, adventure@wines2whales.co.za or ride@wines2whales.co.za or visit www.wines2whales.co.za.

Facebook: Wines2Whales

Twitter: @w2wmtb

Instagram: @w2wmtb


The Ascendis Health pairing of Robyn De Groot and Jennie Stenerhag claimed stage victory on stage 1 and 3 to secure the overall win at the FNB W2W Race.
The Ascendis Health pairing of Robyn De Groot and Jennie Stenerhag claimed stage victory on stage 1 and 3 to secure the overall win at the FNB W2W Race.

FNB Wines2Whales MTB Race Results

Men’s GC

  1. Erik Kleinhans and James Reid / Team RECM 08:17:19
  2. Gawie Combrinck and Johann Rabie / EAI South Africa 08:27:37
  3. Adriaan Louw and Hendrik Kruger / CONTEGO Pro MTB Team 08:34:03
  4. Konny Looser and Christoph Sauser / Investec Songo 08:35:07
  5. Matthew Beers and Stephan Senekal / Red-E 08:36:42

Women’s GC

  1. Robyn De Groot and Jennie Stenerhag / Ascendis Health 09:46:19
  2. Candice Neethling and Ariane Kleinhans / RECM Ladies 09:50:12
  3. Theresa Ralph and Samantha Sanders / Galileo Risk Valencia 10:19:43
  4. Janine Rawlinson and Carla Van Huyssteen / Time Freight E Team 11:07:53
  5. Michelle Lombardi and Hanlie Booyens / 11:21:01

Mixed Category GC

  1. Carl Pasio and Ashleigh Moolman / Bigla 10:07:05
  2. Andreas Studer and Carmen Buchacher / Craft cycling 10:12:07
  3. Yolandi Du Toit and Gordon Alan / Garmin Navworld 10:15:55
  4. Kobus Barnard and Fienie Barnard / Kromco Barnards 10:18:38
  5. James Lennard and Katherine Lennard / Team Lennard 10:36:18

 

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