A new era of FNB Wines2Whales got underway on Thursday evening as the first-ever UCI Elite Women’s Prologue officially opened the 2026 Chardonnay race at Lourensford Wine Estate. The Prologue marked the opening chapter of the inaugural UCI S1-classified FNB Wines2Whales and set the tone for one of the biggest editions in the event’s history.
Rider numbers across the three events have grown significantly compared to 2025, while women’s participation has increased by 20% year-on-year, highlighting both the growing appeal of the event and the Chardonnay race’s commitment to showcasing women’s mountain bike racing.
The Elite Women lined up at Lourensford to tackle two laps of a fast and spectator-friendly 9-kilometre circuit featuring 180 metres of climbing. The short course encouraged aggressive racing from the gun, with the technical Pinot Steps section proving to be the key challenge on the route.
It was reigning Marathon World Champion Anna Weinbeer who immediately stamped her authority on the race, driving the pace at the front during the opening climb. Close behind, the Efficient Infiniti Scott Shimano pairing of Samantha Sanders and Alexis Skarda, together with Torpado Kenda FSA’s Katazina Sosna and Giorgia Marchet, ensured there was no opportunity for Weinbeer to break clear as she repeatedly looked back for teammate Greete Steinburg, who was struggling to stay in contact.
On the opening descent, Skarda was first through the technical Pinot Steps, while Weinbeer was forced to ease off and wait for Steinburg after the Estonian struggled to stay in contact on the opening lap.
As the riders completed the first lap, three teams had established themselves at the front of the race: Torpado Kenda FSA, Efficient Infiniti Scott Shimano and e-Fort.
On the second lap, the contest narrowed to two teams, with Sanders and Skarda going head-to-head with Sosna and Marchet. Neither pairing was able to gain a decisive advantage and the battle for the first CIOVITA leader jerseys came down to a sprint finish.
In the dash for the line, it was Torpado Kenda FSA’s Sosna and Marchet who emerged victorious, claiming the Prologue win ahead of the Efficient Infiniti Scott Shimano pairing of Skarda and Sanders. Just behind the leading teams, Margot Moschetti and Costanza Fasolis of e-Fort secured third place to put themselves firmly in contention heading into Stage 1.
“Very fast race,” smiled Marchet afterwards. “We used our minds and technical skills to keep the pace high.”
“I am very happy,” added Sosna. “South Africa is such a beautiful place and I am enjoying this so much. I love riding with Giorgia.”
Second-placed Skarda was equally encouraged by the opening performance. “It is amazing. We have a really good dynamic, the racing was very close and I’m looking forward to the stages ahead,” she said.
For Steinburg, it was a difficult start to the event. “It was horrible,” she admitted. “Two days ago I had a stomach bug. I hope day by day it gets better. At least I got used to the trails. The short format and the climbs were not really for me.”
The Prologue has set the stage, but the real racing begins on Friday. The elite teams will join nearly 1 200 amateur riders for the journey from Lourensford Wine Estate to Oak Valley Estate, tackling 61 kilometres and the iconic Gantouw Pass en route. With the Elite Women’s race still wide open and rain forecast, Stage 1 is poised to provide the first major test of legs, teamwork and tactics in the battle for the Chardonnay crown.
For more information about FNB Wines2Whales and full stage results, visit www.epic-series.com.
Source: Epic Series Media
