South African mountain biking is gearing up for a monumental shift. The Epic Series has officially announced that the iconic FNB Wines2Whales will join the prestigious Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar as an S1-classified stage race starting in 2026.
This coveted upgrade places the beloved trail journey among the highest-ranked international mountain bike stage races, bringing a rush of global prestige, fierce international competition, and serious ranking points to South Africa’s home dirt.
What UCI S1 Status Means for Local Pros
For South Africa’s elite cyclists, this news is a massive win. Winning or placing high in an S1-classified race awards critical UCI ranking points—the global currency required to earn invitations and favorable start positions at top-tier international events.
Previously, local riders often had to travel overseas at great expense to collect these points. Now, they can secure them on home turf. As South African pro Tristan Nortje highlighted, racing for UCI points at home makes the sport far more accessible, allowing local talent to measure themselves against the world’s best on familiar trails.
Four Days of Thrills: The Elite Evolution
To accommodate its upgraded international status, the Elite race structure for both men and women is expanding to a four-day format:
- The Prologue (Registration Day): A new, spectator-friendly 21 km lap-format course (3 x 7 km laps with 280 m elevation) at Lourensford Estate. Designed to kick off the weekend in style, it gives fans an up-close festival atmosphere as riders battle for the first CIOVITA leader jerseys.
- Stage 1: Lourensford Estate to Oak Valley Estate (62 km | 1,650 m elevation)
- Stage 2: Oak Valley Estate loop (65 km | 1,444 m elevation)
- Stage 3: Oak Valley Estate to Benguela Cove (63 km | 1,150 m elevation)
Dates are set for 5–8 November for the Elite Women (Chardonnay) and 12–15 November for the Elite Men (Shiraz).
Big Stakes and Bigger Prize Purses
Thanks to FNB and its event partners, the 2026 edition boasts a eye-watering R640,000 total prize purse. This elevates the event to the second-highest-paying UCI XCM stage race globally, firmly cementing South Africa as the epicenter for high-stakes marathon mountain biking.
“Creating this pathway for aspiring elite athletes reflects our commitment to growing the sport from grassroots to greatness,” noted Stephan Claassen, Provincial Head of FNB Commercial.
The Spirit Remains Unchanged
While the pros fight for global points and massive prize money over four days, everyday enthusiasts needn’t worry: the heart of Wines2Whales stays exactly the same.
Amateur riders in all other categories will still enjoy the beloved three-day, point-to-point journey through pristine Western Cape landscapes—from Lourensford to Benguela Cove via Oak Valley—complete with the world-class hospitality the event is known for.
Entries for the 2026 event are selling fast, with the Chardonnay weekend already sold out. To secure your spot, visit epic-series.com/races/wines2whales.
