Elfriede Wolfaardt will be vying for victory in the women’s 3km race at the Paarl Boxing Day track cycling event.
After finishing on the podium for the past three years, but never in top spot, Wolfaardt returns to compete in the annual meeting for the fourth consecutive year.
The 42-year-old has set her sights on victory in the 3km, but realises winning won’t be easy.
“It will be hard to beat Maroesjka (Mathee),” she said today. “She has put in a lot of effort and she’s in top form.
“She will want to make a statement after her absence and she’s definitely my biggest threat.”
Elfriede Wolfaard will be vying for victory in the women’s 3km race at the Paarl Boxing Day track cycling event. Photo: Theo Bruwer
Wolfaardt also expects Hazel Magill, who starred for team Tiletoria Train when they won the Double Century last month, to challenge for first place.
“This will be her first Paarl Boxing Day event and she’s been working hard on the track. She has what it takes and I know she’ll make it difficult for us.
“The women’s field will be more competitive than in previous years, which is great to see. The line-up has never been as strong as it is this year.
“It creates variation for spectators as well as competitors,” she added.
The conditions, Wolfaardt said, could pose challenges. “The heat often plays a role on Boxing Day, so we’ll have to make sure we’re well hydrated.
“The wind could also be a factor. We may ride against the wind on one side of the track and against it on the other side.
“And if there are crosswinds, the riders could be affected anywhere on the track,” she added.
Although she is aiming at the top of the podium, Wolfaardt is still unsure how she will perform.
“I’ve been putting in a lot of time-trial training for the Commonwealth Games, but I haven’t done much racing recently, and that’s a different challenge,” she said.
“Attacking in between laps, judging how to pace yourself and racing against strong opponents can be a different ball-game.
“Fortunately, we have met the standards for the Commonwealth Games 3km time trial, so I’ll at least have the power and endurance to compete. I’ll do my best,” she added.
Wolfaardt also intends riding in the 800m and 1500m races, but just to warm her legs and please the crowd.
Sprinter Magdalene Nicholson will be gunning for glory in the 800m.
