South Africa’s national road champion Carla Oberholzer will offer a supportive role to her demacon teammates when the inaugural 100 Cycle Challenge takes place in Germiston on Sunday.
“I’ve come off quite an extensive rest period so I don’t have decent form at the moment,” said Oberholzer.
“My role will be to work as hard as possible for my teammates while closing moves and doing what I can to secure a good result for us,” she said.
She added that they always raced to win, so that would be their objective for this challenge as well.
Team demacon’s Carla Oberholzer will offer a supportive role in the inaugural 100 Cycle Challenge in Gauteng on Sunday. Photo: Cycle Nation
As far as strategies were concerned, she said they would follow the one that had been working for them all along, which was racing as a team, communicating well and hoping for a good result.
“In order to get a top finish we will have to race as a unit, work effectively as a team and read the race well. I believe if we do those things we will definitely be able to produce a good result.”
Although she did not have the best form at the moment, Oberholzer felt excited about the new race that features a 100km route starting and ending at Germiston Lake.
“It’s always nice when new races come along. It’s a little bit of a different route and something to look forward to. I’m excited to be taking part in the inaugural event.”
Oberholzer added that due to the flat and fast route the race would be one for the sprinters.
“We have two very good sprinters, but we will have to keep our eye on Ciovita’s Maroesjka [Matthee] who will be one to look out for.
“The route doesn’t really play in my favour or suit my strengths as a rider, but I do believe you can make racing hard on any route if you race well together.”
The Vulintaba Extreme winner‘s focus is on the Kremetart Tour and the Jock Classic, as well as the Amashova Durban Classic and 947 Cycle Challenge towards the end of the year.
“We’ve had a very good year so far and we are very grateful for that. This race [100 Cycle Challenge] is really just one for the team.”
