South African road cyclist An-Li Kachelhoffer claimed her first ever European win in the 80km De Gemeente Ledegem in Belgium on August 23.
An-Li Kachelhoffer is ecstatic to have a European win behind her
The win brings Kachelhoffer’s racing stint in Belgium to a successful conclusion, with she and Activate-Demacon teammate Heidi Dalton taking four podiums between them in 11 races.
“For the 12th and final race, I think way back in my mind I had that little thought that it would be great to win the race,” said Kachelhoffer, who has been chasing a victory on Belgian soil for the past five years.
“If you asked me on the start line if I thought I could win the race I would most probably have said ‘no’.”
Although not the elusive UCI race win, Kachelhoffer said it was one step closer to the dream.
The 28-year-old all-rounder said she was delighted that South African women cyclists were starting to gain respect in the international bunches.
To this end, Kachelhoffer will now link up with her national teammates Cherise Stander, Charlene du Preez, Carla Oberholzer and Candice Neethling, as they take part in the women’s European racing programme.
The September line-up includes such UCI 2.2 rated events as the Tour Cycliste Féminin International de l’Ardeche in France and the Premondiale Giro Toscana Int. Femminile – Memorial Michela Fanini in Italy.
