KNYSNA NEWS - After seven days of challenging mountain bike trails, participants in the TransCape mountain bike race can again look forward to a sea of tranquillity when the beautiful La Couronne wine farm welcome them home next year.
The annual 614km journey, which starts in Knysna on 4 February next year, will finish in Franschhoek a week later and La Couronne is again planning a memorable occasion as the official finish venue.
La Couronne general manager Eldorette Carinus says they had no hesitation in coming on board when approached by race founder Lenore Collett in 2015.
“When Lenore contacted us we agreed to make available our wine farm as the finishing venue and to be the event’s wine sponsor,” says Carinus, who has also ridden the race.
“I got very involved with the planning with Lenore and it was exciting to be part of this very special mountain bike race right from the start.”
She adds that they are proud to be involved with such an elite event, which presents them with the perfect opportunity to showcase their brand.
“We will have a number of new vintages for riders to taste throughout the week and plans are also in place to make the finish venue a lot bigger,” Carinus says.
In a change from this year when the race ended at the top of Franschhoek pass,
Carinus says the competitors’ adventure would end with a scenic section through the farm’s vineyards.
“We will be offering great food and wine and there will be a relaxing atmosphere, beautiful views of the mountains they have conquered and festive celebrations,” she says.
ASG Events chief executive Wynand de Villiers says La Couronne is much more than just the finish venue.
“Eldorette is a total TransCape disciple and holds the race very close to her heart,” he says. “The event is all about relationships and that’s what makes the finish such a highlight. It’s about the people and how they make every finisher feel special."
He adds that their sponsorship of wine during the journey has been extremely well received at their evening functions that have become a special part of the race.
“We’re incredibly thankful for their significant contribution throughout and, when you get to the finish, the farm is beautiful and personifies the Cape Winelands in every aspect.”
Info: www.transcapemtb.co.za
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