Hattrick Of Stage Wins Secures Computer Mania Seattle Coffee Co The FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay Win

by | Oct 23, 2023 | Wines2Whales 2023, Bike, Bike Events & Racing, Bike Racing News, Event News, Events, Featured

Candice Lill and Tyler Jacobs of Computer Mania Seattle Coffee Co galloped to their third stage win to secure the overall women’s racing title at 2023 FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay.

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Tyler Jacobs and Candice Lill win stage 2 at the FNB Wines 2 Whales (c) Dom Barnardt / Wines2Whales

FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay Stage 3: Here’s What You Need To Know

  • Candice Lill and Tyler Jacobs won the overall title with three straight stage victories.

Lill and Jacobs were the surprise winners of Stage 1, after both had repeatedly stated that they had no expectations coming into the event. They extended their lead on Stage 2, despite the mud-fest conditions. On the final stage, they rode to a third stage victory to seal the overall title. After the final stage Lill recounted: “It was very blustery between the Pass and Water Point 2 at Idiom Wines. We nearly got blown into each other the wind was so strong.”

Shortly after the water point Keep and Strydom regained contact with the women in the orange CIOVITA jerseys. The Safari Essence Imbuko team’s ability to stay with the leaders was compromised by Keep missing a gel, which in a show of remarkable sportsmanship Lill provided for her.

That did however not prevent Lill and Jacobs from distancing Keep and Strydom on the final climb, whereafter they rode to a third stage victory. “I’d said I had no expectations coming into the race, and I really didn’t,” Jacobs reiterated after wrapping up the title. “That didn’t mean I wasn’t stressed by being in the leaders’ jersey though. I could hardly eat breakfast every morning I was so nervous.”

The overall victory may have come as a surprise to Jacobs, but Lill might have had it in her sights all along. “I know Tyler [Jacobs] has the cross-country speed so I knew she could surprise herself,” Lill smiled. “This weekend was all about managing her efforts, making sure she fuelled and ensuring she had a good time. I wanted Tyler to have a good first experience stage racing, and I think we achieved that.”

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Tyler Jacobs and Candice Lill take the stage and overall win during stage 3 at the FNB Wines 2 Whales. (c) Dom Barnardt / Wines2Whales
  • Tiffany Keep and Danielle Strydom finished second overall, after overcoming a difficult opening stage.

Keep and Strydom suffered a puncture and a crash on Stage 1 of FNB Wines2Whales, but they overcame these setbacks to finish second on Stages 2 and 3. This was enough to secure them second place overall.

  • Cherise Willeit and Smantha Sanders completed the final stage and general classification podium.

Willeit and Sanders finished third overall, after a consistent performance throughout the race. They were particularly strong on the final stage, where they finished second.

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Michelle Lombardi and Hanlie Booyens during stage 3 at the FNB Wines 2 Whales Chardonnay (c) Dom Barnardt / Wines2Whales
  • Stage 1 was moved due to wet conditions and Lill and Jacobs were the surprise winners.

The original Stage 1 route had to be moved due to wet conditions. The new route was shorter, but it was still challenging and provided plenty of entertainment for the spectators. Lill and Jacobs took advantage of the new route to win the stage.

  • Stage 2 was a mud-fest and Vera Looser crashed and broke her hand.

Stage 2 was a mud-fest and many riders struggled to cope with the slippery conditions. Vera Looser, the defending champion, was one of the riders who crashed. She broke her hand and was forced to retire from the race.

  • Lill and Jacobs extended their lead on the final stage, despite the strong winds.

The final stage was a challenging course, with plenty of climbing and strong winds. Lill and Jacobs rode well in the wind and extended their lead to claim the overall title.

  • Keep and Strydom were happy with their second place overall at FNB Wines2Whales, despite a puncture and a crash on Stage 1.

Keep and Strydom were happy with their second place overall, despite the setbacks they faced on Stage 1. They showed great resilience to overcome these challenges and finish on the podium.

  • Willeit and Sanders completed the podium places on the day and overall.

Willeit and Sanders were pleased with their third place overall. They rode consistently throughout the race and were rewarded with a place on the podium.

  • Hayley Preen and Frances Janse van Rensburg finished fourth, while Sarah Hill and Claudia Krenn finished fifth.

Preen and Janse van Rensburg finished fourth overall, after a strong performance on the final stage. Hill and Krenn finished fifth overall, after a consistent performance throughout the race.

Results:

STAGE 3

  • 1. Computer Mania Seattle Coffee Co: Candice Lill & Tyler Jacobs (3:15:53)
  • 2. Safari Essence Imbuko: Tiffany Keep & Danielle Strydom (3:17:43 | +1:50)
  • 3. Sandton City Efficient Infiniti: Cherise Willeit & Samantha Sanders (3:23:26 | +7:33)
  • 4. Freewheel Cycology: Hayley Preen & Frances Janse van Rensburg (3:27:49 | +11:56)
  • 5. Hilly & Edgy: Sarah Hill & Claudia Krenn (3:28:54 | +13:01)

OVERALL STANDINGS

  • 1. Computer Mania Seattle Coffee Co: Candice Lill & Tyler Jacobs (8:55:42)
  • 2. Safari Essence Imbuko: Tiffany Keep & Danielle Strydom (9:04:48 | +9:05)
  • 3. Sandton City Efficient Infiniti: Cherise Willeit & Samantha Sanders (9:13:28 | +17:46)
  • 4. Freewheel Cycology: Hayley Preen & Frances Janse van Rensburg (9:37:00 | +41:18)
  • 5. Hilly & Edgy: Sarah Hill & Claudia Krenn (9:42:02 | +46:20)

MORE FNB Wines2Whales news:

Learn more about the route they will be tackling, here, which teams to watch, here and check out the Epic Series YouTube channel for regular updates and highlights.

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