​Toyota Strengthens Commitment to Adventure with third year as Official FNB Wines2Whales Vehicle Partner​

Lourensford Wine Estate to Hermanus - October 2024: The highly anticipated Wines2Whales mountain biking race is back, offering a fun and challenging adventure for riders of all levels.

Taking place between Friday, 1 – Sunday, 10 November, this iconic event promises not only breathtaking trails but also a spirit of fun and camaraderie that has earned it the nickname "The Race with GEES."

With stunning routes that wind through the Cape Winelands and Overberg, riders will experience some of the best mountain biking in the world across three stages:

• Stage 1: Lourensford Wine Estate to Oak Valley
• Stage 2: Oak Valley to Oak Valley
  Known as the traditional "Playday," makes an emphatic return, brimming with excitement and flavour
• Stage 3: Oak Valley to Hermanus

Participants can compete in one of three categories: Chardonnay, Pinotage, and Shiraz, with the Shiraz stage reserved for pro cyclists eager to tackle the most competitive segment of the race.

As the official vehicle partner, Toyota is once again set to elevate the Wines2Whales experience, marking the third consecutive year of this exciting partnership. Toyota’s involvement brings exclusive VIP experiences, thrilling race elements, and top-tier team sponsorships.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Wines2Whales for the third consecutive year. This iconic race embodies the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that Toyota values. We look forward to enhancing the experience for all participants and spectators with our exclusive VIP tours and exciting race elements. Let’s gear up for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking trails of the Cape Winelands and Overberg,” says Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors.

Key Toyota Highlights:

1. VIP Route Tours: Spectators and sponsors will get an inside view of the race thanks to the Toyota Hilux 48V vehicles, offering exclusive access to parts of the race not available to the general public.
2. Toyota Cruise Sections: Toyota-sponsored sections on each stage add extra excitement with unique obstacles designed to be fun but challenging:
   • Stage 1: Tower of Power - A swirling bridge
   • Stage 2: Pofadder - A scenic descent
   • Stage 3: Escape Raz - Another scenic descent
3. Toyota Racing Teams: Competing in the Shiraz category, three teams will be flying the Toyota flag:
   • Toyota Specialized - Matt Beers & Alex Miller
   • Toyota Specialized Imbuko - Johan van Zyl & Rudi Koen
   • Toyota Gazoo Mixed Team - Riaan Weideman & Samantha Sanders

For more information about Wines2Whales, visit the official website.