Demacon’s Carla Oberholzer says she will continue to work hard at her cycling after being crowned South Africa’s road race queen at the national championships in Oudtshoorn this month.
The victory continued a successful 12 months for the Clarens-based cyclist, who added the Ride for Sight title this year to the four wins she had in SA road races last year.
She knows, however, that there is no time to rest on her laurels.
Demacon Women’s Team rider Carla Oberholzer continued her good form by winning the women’s road title at the South African championships in Oudtshoorn early this month. Photo: Supplied
“I think it’s very difficult to say you are riding at the peak of your ability,” she said.
“I am happy with my form, but there is always something to work on and one of the things I will be looking to improve is my power and strength.”
But she was delighted to win a title which eluded her last year.
“Winning the SA road title was my first big goal of the year, especially after last year’s race when I thought I had a chance but just didn’t make it.
“I am very happy to keep the jersey in the team for another year after Heidi Dalton won last year.”
Oberholzer and Dalton, members of the Demacon Women’s Team who have HEAD Bikes SA as their equipment sponsors this year, are joined by Lynette Burger and Kim le Court.
The SA road champ said the equipment sponsorship was a massive boost for them.
“Having an equipment sponsor for ladies’ cycling in South Africa is huge and for us it is a big thing.
“I am totally satisfied with the bike I have, which is slightly heavier – about 100g – than the bike I rode previously, but it’s much more responsive.
“In terms of sprinting and downhill it definitely gives you an advantage, while not having a drawback on the climbs – it still climbs beautifully.”
Oberholzer, who will be riding in the Bestmed Berge en Dale on Saturday, said they were also focused on the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope and the Cape Town Cycle Tour in the immediate future.
South Africa’s premier stage road race, the Tour of Good Hope takes place in and around Paarl from March 5 to 9, followed by the Cape Town race on March 11.
HEAD Bikes SA offer a limited range of road and mountain bikes to South African cycling enthusiasts, retailing their products online only.
