FNB WINES2WHALES JOINS THE UCI INTERNATIONAL RACE CALENDAR FROM 2026

The Epic Series has announced that the FNB Wines2Whales will become a UCI S1classified stage race from 2026, marking a major milestone for South African mountain biking. The upgrade places the event among the highest-ranked international mountain bike stage races, creating opportunities for riders to earn valuable UCI points on home soil while attracting stronger international competition and increased global recognition.

FNB Wines2Whales Granted UCI S1 Status for 2026

Event Category	Dates	Distance / Elevation	Location
Women’s Chardonnay (UCI S1)	5–8 Nov 2026	211 km / 4,524 m	Lourensford to Benguela Cove
Men’s Shiraz (UCI S1)	12–15 Nov 2026	211 km / 4,524 m	Lourensford to Benguela Cove

Cape Town, South Africa – the Epic Series is proud to announce that, from 2026, the FNB Wines2Whales will become a UCI S1-classified stage race, joining the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar. As one of the highest-ranked categories of international mountain bike stage racing, S1 status enables riders to compete for significant UCI ranking points while attracting stronger professional fields and greater international recognition.  

For South African riders, it creates the opportunity to earn valuable UCI points on home soil without the need to travel overseas. As part of the transition to UCI status, the Elite race for men and women will expand to four-days, featuring a prologue on registration day followed by three race stages. The additional racing provides greater competitive value for professional teams while contributing valuable UCI points that can strengthen local riders’ international rankings and improve their chances of securing invitations to the world’s leading mountain bike stage races.

The new, exciting lap-format prologue will add an exciting new dimension to the event experience at Lourensford Estate. Taking place on a spectator-friendly lap course while riders register and prepare for the weekend ahead, the race will create a vibrant festival atmosphere, giving participants, supporters and sponsors the opportunity to watch South Africa’s leading mountain bikers and international stars battle for the first CIOVITA leader jerseys.

FNB Wines2Whales Prize Money & Leader Jerseys

Thanks to FNB and our extended partners, the FNB Wines2Whales offers a total prize purse of R640,000, making it the second-highest-paying UCI XCM stage race globally, firmly positioning South Africa as home to the highest-paying marathon mountain bike stage races on the international calendar.

“FNB follows an approach of growing our sport, communities and businesses, from grassroots to greatness. We are therefore committed to developing mountain biking from the ground up, which is why our partnership with the Epic Series remains a key focus on our annual calendar. Creating this pathway for aspiring elite athletes reflects that commitment and will inspire a new generation to pursue their dreams in the sport.” Stephan Claassen, Provincial Head of FNB Commercial.

“As a proudly South African organisation, we see it as our responsibility to help grow the sport and create meaningful opportunities for professional riders. By making FNB Wines2Whales UCI-sanctioned, we’re elevating the race onto the global calendar and giving both South African and international athletes access to valuable UCI points, stronger competition, and greater exposure. This move aligns with our broader Epic Series strategy of growing mountain biking through more accessible and meaningful racing opportunities, creating clearer pathways for riders to progress, compete at a higher level, and build sustainable careers in the sport.” said Shannon Valstar, Operations Director.  

“As South African riders, having the opportunity to race for UCI points on home soil is very important. It make it more accessible for local athletes to grow their rankings, and also gives us the chance to test ourselves against some of the best riders in the world on our home trails. It’s another big step forward for the marathon racing in Africa.” said Tristan Nortje.

The Elite Racing Experience

2026 Stage Breakdown & Route Elevation

FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay – Elite Women

1. 5 Nov Registration and Prologue  – 21km (3x7km laps) 280m Elevation
2. 6 Nov Stage 1 – Lourensford Estate to Oak Valley Estate – 62 km 1650m Elevation
3. 7 Nov Stage 2 – Oak Valley Estate to Oak Valley Estate – 65km 1444m Elevation
4. 8 Nov Stage 3 – Oak Valley Estate to Benguela Cove – 63km 1150 m Elevation

FNB Wines2Whales Shiraz – Elite Men

1. 12 Nov Registration and Prologue – 21km (3x7km laps) 280m elevation
2. 13 Nov Stage 1 – Lourensford Estate to Oak Valley Estate – 62 km 1650m Elevation
3. 14 Nov Stage 2 – Oak Valley Estate to Oak Valley Estate – 65km 1444m Elevation
4. 15 Nov Stage 3 – Oak Valley Estate to Benguela Cove – 63km 1150 m Elevation

The Heart of Wines2Whales Remains the Same

While the Elite race evolves with the introduction of a prologue and a fourth day of racing, the FNB Wines2Whales experience remains unchanged for the rest of the field. Riders in all other categories will continue to enjoy the same three-day point-to-point journey from Lourensford to Benguela Cove via Oak Valley.  

UCI Elite prologue race at Lourensford Wine Estate Somerset West

With its combination of world-class racing, meaningful prize money and valuable UCI ranking points, the 2026 FNB Wines2Whales is set to attract its strongest professional fields yet while continuing to deliver an unforgettable experience for riders of all abilities.

Limited entries for the 2026 event remain, with the first weekend, Chardonnay, already sold out. Riders interested in securing their place are encouraged to enter soon. For more information and entry details, visit www.epicseries.com/races/wines2whales.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does UCI S1 status mean for Wines2Whales?

UCI S1 status means the FNB Wines2Whales is officially part of the international mountain bike calendar as a Class 1 stage race. This upgrade lets elite riders earn valuable world ranking points locally, expands the elite competition to four days with a new prologue, and draws stronger global competitors.

Where does Wines2Whales start and finish?

The 2026 FNB Wines2Whales mountain bike event starts at Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West) and finishes at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate (near Hermanus), passing via Oak Valley along the way.

2025 Wines2whales

FNB Wines2Whales | 2025 Route Reveal