Saturday, 21 October, 2017
La Couronne
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 February 4, will finish in Franschhoek a week later and La Couronne are again planning a memorable occasion as the official finish venue.
The wine farm, several centuries old, will be extending their close association with the TransCape, having been involved with the event as a venue and wine sponsor from its inception.
La Couronne general manager Eldorette Carinus said 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," said 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 added they were proud to be involved with such an elite event, which presented them with the perfect opportunity to showcase their brand.
"The TransCape gives us a lot of exposure and introduces our wines to the riders and everybody else involved. This has led to a strong brand loyalty between La Couronne and the event's crew and riders."
Carinus said wine-lovers among the riders would again be able to enjoy a variety of options at the end of each stage. In addition, she said they would be adding a few new ideas for the fourth edition of the internationally renowned race.
"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."
In a change from this year when the race ended at the top of Franschhoek Pass, Carinus said 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 said.
ASG Events chief executive Wynand de Villiers said La Couronne were much more than just the finish venue.
"Eldorette is a total TransCape disciple and holds the race very close to her heart," he said.
"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.
"Eldorette also rides in the event annually and understands the values and message we portray through TransCape."
He added that their sponsorship of wine during the journey was extremely well received at their evening functions, which had 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."
Go to www.transcapemtb.co.za for more details.
Caption: The La Couronne Wine Farm in Franschhoek will again be the finish venue and wine sponsors of the seven-day TransCape mountain bike race when it takes place between Knysna and the Cape Winelands in February next year. Photo: Irma Coetzee