WELCOME

THE RACE WITH SERIOUS GEES!

Welcome to the 2025 FNB Wines2Whales

The 2025 FNB W2W Switchback is the third edition of the Switchback series, although the 2023 Switchback was compromised by the September flood damages, when we had to replace Stage 1, from Hermanus to Oak Valley, with a Lourensford loop.

This year’s Switchback is the best, as we got a couple of crucial combinations spot on. To name a few;

  • Stage 1, a great start at Benguela Cove,with world class amenities and spectacular views.
  • The first 12km’s after the start, are all new, with gradual climbs on open gravel roads, such as “Jan and Alien se paaie” still with magic views of ocean and mountains.
  • The new “Moos se Pad”, a contour single track link between Houw Hoek Hotel and Lebanon is awesome.
  • Stage 2, Playday has the familiar play sections, with new additions, such as a spectator festival at the Paul Cluver Amphitheatre, with two water points, and a trail section over the stage. The new Wave runner structure, near the finish in Oak Valley, combines surfing and mountain biking with six huge dryland waves. Go test drive it the afternoon before Stage 2, it’s next to the public parking in Oak Valley.
  • Stage 3, a couple of new trails, perfectly suited for the Switchback, including the beautifully restored 1901 railway bridge over the Palmiet river.
  • Enjoy the biggest hit of the Switchback, going down Gantouw, as gravity becomes a new tailwind.
  • Explore the new Vergelegen river trail and Lourensford offers a Cowboy Saloon, magic trails and the best sculptured downhill, Schoemans, a perfect way to round of the best FNB W2W Switchback experience.  

A huge thanks to Cape Trails and all the landowners, who have made this Switchback possible. We’ve created many on route surprises to ensure the FNB W2W GEES is alive and smiles on route.

Stay fit, safe and have fun!

Adios JK

FREE WIFI

NETWORK: W2W
Username: Riders
Password: Gees@W2W

The 2025 FNB W2W Rider Manual

This digital handbook is your guide to the 2025 FNB Wines2Whales Switchback. Whether you’re a returning rider or a newbie, this manual is designed to provide you with valuable information, tips and essential know-how to make sure you have an enjoyable riding experience.

Inside, you’ll find everything from the daily schedule, route profiles, race services and much more! We encourage you to read this manual thoroughly and use it as a valuable resource as you prepare for the event as well as over the 3 days you are with us. Get ready to gear up and clip in to embark on a memorable journey from the coast in Hermanus to Lourensford Wine Estate!

The 2025 FNB W2W Theme Song

“Shotgun” by George Ezra, JK’s favourite tune, is the 2025 Wines2Whales theme song.  Perfectly capturing the gees of our race — fast, free, and full of life. With its upbeat rhythm and lyrics about rolling through sunshine and open roads, it mirrors the rush of riders flying down trails, surrounded by flashes of green and gold. Just like Ezra sings, “I’ll be riding shotgun, underneath the hot sun,” this race is all about freedom, fun, and living in the moment and of course bringing all the GEES!