Reigning champs gear up for Contego Wines2Whales MTB Race

Kleinhans / Munnik set to defend Wines2Whales title

Erik Kleinhans and Oliver Munnik will be fighting fit in November when they defend their title at the second annual Contego Wines2Whales Mountain Bike Race. The race takes place from 12 until 14 November 2010, starting at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West and ending at Onrus Caravan Park, Hermanus.

According to Kleinhans there was a fantastic atmosphere amongst the riders at the inaugural Contego Wines2Whales MTB Race.  “My favorite part of the 2009 route was the single track experienced in Grabouw during Stage Two.  The organizers really did a great job in putting together some of the best routes that the Western Cape has to offer.  A three day mountain bike stage race is great as it doesn’t drain your body as much as the longer stage races do.  At times the racing is more aggressive though, which is awesome.  Oliver and I are definitely going to do our best to maintain our title,” says Kleinhans.

Munnik experienced a severe crash in April this year during the second round of the MTN Cross Country Series in Pietermaritzberg resulting in a broken back with a compression fracture to his T9 vertebrae.  Recently returning from Italy where he spent the last two months rebuilding and training on his road bike, Munnik is positive that he’ll be fully recuperated come November.  “My recovery entailed wearing a corset brace for twelve weeks which constricted the movement of my upper body keeping the spine straight.  In May, after numerous doctors’ appointments, I received the news that the vertebrae had stabilized.  I patiently began building up time on my indoor trainer, before venturing back outdoors for a few easy rides.  In Italy my training focused on rebuilding my endurance and general fitness.  My vertebrae didn’t give any negative feedback, which meant that I could load the training schedule over the weeks.  Now that I am back in South Africa my training incorporates more intensity and speed, allowing me to race and become competitive again.  What I remember most of the 2009 Wines2Whales Race is the attention to detail that the organisers went to in order to stage a personal event.  I am really looking forward to the 2010 W2W Race,” comments Munnik.

STAGE ONE:  Friday, 12 November 2010
DISTANCE:  70km
Start Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West)
End   Grabouw Country Club
 
STAGE TWO:  Saturday, 13 November 2010
DISTANCE:  75km
Start Grabouw Country Club
End   Grabouw Country Club
 
STAGE THREE:  Sunday, 14 November 2010
DISTANCE:  85km
Start Grabouw Country Club
End   Onrus Caravan Park by Hermanus

WIN WIN WIN ~ KTM Bike Industries has added additional excitement with the unveiling of the KTM Score Comp mountain bike that will be up for grabs after Stage Two (Saturday, 13 November 2010) of the Contego Wines2Whales MTB Race.  Valued at R34 000, all Race participants stand the chance to win this magnificent machine granted that they are present to claim their prize.  If they are not present, a new name will be drawn.  The draw will take place in the main marquee at the race village.

ENTRIES UP FOR GRABS COMPLIMENTS OF WINDHOEK LAGER ~ Enter the ‘Team Windhoek’ competition and stand a chance to be part of the action at the 2010 Contego Wines2Whales MTB Race.  To enter tell us what makes you a Team Windhoek rider (how do you stay true to your dreams and what motivates you when you’re out on the trails).  Send your entries to windhoekentries@brandhouse.co.za
For more information on the Contego Wines2Whales MTB Race contact Stillwater Sport & Entertainment on 086 138 3591, e-mail w2w@stillwatersports.com or visit www.wines2whales.co.za