Two new signings in Yzette Oelofse and Danielle Strydom, who provide a blend of experience and youth, should be a major boost for Team Bestmed this year.
Both riders are excited by the new challenge in the all-women’s team as they strive to build on some good results from last year.
Tshwane Classic champion Oelofse said joining a new team was an opportunity to meet new people and learn from them.
Last year’s Tshwane Classic champion Yzette Oelofse has joined the Team Bestmed women’s outfit for the 2018 season. Photo: Marina Sander
She added she would be looking to improve on the sixth spot she earned at last year’s SA National Road Championships when the event takes place in Oudtshoorn early next month.
A month later, Oelofse said she would be taking part in her first road stage race in the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope in the Cape Winelands.
“I have never done a road tour,” she said “but I have done quite well in mountain-bike stage races over the past four years.
Youngster Danielle Strydom is riding for the Team Bestmed women’s unit for the new season. Photo: Supplied
Besides her win in the Tshwane Classic, Oelofse came second in the Fast One and took the third spot on the podium in the Bestmed Satellite Classic.
The Pretoria climber and endurance specialist said she was aiming to bring some life experience to the team, being older than the others.
In her first year as an U23 rider, Strydom said she was looking forward to being part of an “amazing team”.
Last year she won the overall title in the women’s half-marathon division at the National MTB Series as well as the finals of the Spur Schools Mountain Bike League.
In her first year as part of an official team, she said she knew it would be a tough year, but was looking forward to the support of a team environment.
The 18-year-old said that she would focus on the Trailseeker and National MTB Series races as well as the 947 Cycle Challenge at the end of the season.
The team have also announced the signing of Durban triathlete S’annara Grove, who won the KZN Triathlon Championships this month. She also showed her skills off the bike by designing the team’s new kit.
