Competitors in the Liberty TransCape MTB Encounter can look forward to a warm welcome from the Holden Manz Wine Estate at the end of their arduous challenge on February 9.

The seven-stage 591km race, which starts in George next Sunday, will take riders through some of the most scenic mountain-bike trails in the country before ending in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands.

Although the overall distance is slightly shorter this year, route director Wayne Collett said it would remain a proper examination for all competitors, who will surely welcome the sight of Holden Manz at the end of their journey.

The estate is situated in the southernmost corner of the Franschhoek Valley and proprietor Gerard Holden said they were delighted to host the finish venue of the race.

“We have an unbridled love for the finer things in life and we believe that through our partnership with TransCape we’ll be able to reach like-minded individuals to share this with us,” he said.

He added that they would be doing everything they could to ensure a memorable after-party for the riders.

“It will be a great day outdoors in the Cape Winelands and we encourage family members and supporters to join us at the estate,” said Holden.

“There will be a food truck to satisfy the appetites, live entertainment and plenty of wine options to choose from.”

He said their range of award-winning wines strongly reflected their ethos and approach to life.

“Unique terroir, combined with a state-of-the-art winery on the estate, attention to detail and a gentle touch guides the process from vineyard to bottle with spectacular results.”

As the official TransCape wine sponsors, Holden Manz will have a wide range for riders to sample each day, catering for all tastes.

The wines are produced under the direction of winemaker Thierry Haberer, who has been working in the trade for more than a decade.

“He has a passionate and out-of-the-box approach, combined with a deep respect for preserving the quality of the fruit,” said Holden.

“This shows in every bottle he produces and there is no doubt that his quality-driven approach and thirst for innovation has set new standards in the Holden Manz range.”

A bonus for the TransCape cyclists is that they will be offered a 10% discount on all Holden Manz wines purchased during the event.

The Holden Manz Wine Estate in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands will be the new finish venue for the Liberty TransCape MTB Encounter. The seven-stage, 591km mountain-bike race starts in George on February 3 and will end on February 9. Photo: Supplied

Issued by: Full Stop Communications