For South Africa’s mountain biking community, the annual FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) is far more than just a race. It is a three-day pilgrimage through some of the Western Cape’s most beautiful terrain—stretching from the rugged tracks of Botrivier, through the historic orchards of Elgin, and finishing along the coastal edge of Hermanus at Benguela Cove.
When thousands of riders take to the starting line for this year’s race series, running from 6 to 15 November, their journey will carry a profound, lifesaving purpose that extends far beyond the finish line.
A Partnership for Life
In a powerful new collaboration, FNB Wines2Whales has partnered with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) to drive water safety awareness directly into the rural and coastal communities that host the race. It is a natural alliance born from a shared belief: that a passion for the great outdoors must go hand-in-hand with protecting human life.
Drowning remains a tragic, silent crisis in many South African communities, often due to a lack of basic swimming skills and water safety education. By leveraging the massive footprint of the multi-day mountain bike event, the NSRI will be able to expand its reach significantly, funding vital education where access to such information is critically low.
The Power of R15
At the heart of this partnership is a fierce focus on the next generation. The NSRI deploys 29 full-time instructors nationwide who visit schools and community groups, teaching children under the age of 14 how to stay safe around water, spot danger, and react in an emergency.
Remarkably, it costs just R15 to put one child through this life-changing program. Every single entry to FNB Wines2Whales this November helps power this initiative, making it incredibly simple for the cycling community to make a direct, tangible difference.
“Increasing awareness is one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning,” explains Mthe Kweyama, head of the NSRI’s Community Programmes. “This partnership creates a real opportunity to reach more communities, educate more children and ultimately save lives. It is about giving people the knowledge and confidence to be safe around water.”
Beyond education, the initiative will fund the placement of the NSRI’s iconic pink rescue buoys at strategic, unguarded water points along the route. These bright buoys act as a visible warning signal and a literal lifeline, providing emergency flotation that can mean the difference between tragedy and a successful rescue.
Riding with Purpose
The spirit of this collaboration will be proudly displayed on the trails, anchored by the official event partnership. By supporting the NSRI, Wines2Whales is ensuring that the true legacy of the race isn’t just left in the dirt, but in lives saved long after the final medal is handed out.
As Jonathan Meintjies, Head of Mountain Biking at the Epic Series, notes:
“Through this partnership, every rider becomes part of something bigger. It is about more than the finish line. It is about showing what the mountain bike community can do when we ride with purpose.”
