Team Bestmed-ASG’s newest signing, Hazel Magill, said she was looking forward to returning home and joining the South African women’s team after success overseas.
The former Tour of Ireland best young rider was approached by the team in September after returning from Europe where she had raced for six months.
“I was in contact with the team, but nothing was finalised,” said the Capetonian.
“Being in the team means you automatically learn lots of life skills, how to handle certain situations and how to work together. Not many teams are so well structured.”
Former Tour of Ireland best young rider Hazel Magill has joined Team Bestmed-ASG for the 2018 season. Photo: Supplied
Even though she competed in the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in 2013 and in the 2015 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup event in Switzerland, she said her initial role would be that of domestique.
“My duty will be to help my teammates and protect the main rider. I do believe you need to earn your place in a team first.
“I can’t just come in and say everyone should work for me, because I want to win. I’m well aware of that.
“For me it is just better to be told what to do for now, and to work for the team. I’m happy to help someone else win at this point.”
The former Time Freight and POC rider said she would continue to give her all in the hopes that one day management would pick a race for her.
Magill added that she was looking forward to learning from and working with her new teammates.
“I know if I give 100 per cent for them now, they will give 100 per cent back when my time comes.”
The 22-year-old will join Maroesjka Matthee, Zanele Tshoko, Lynette Benson, Sanet Coetzee, Nicolene Marais and Kristen Louw.
