South Africa’s Elne Owen has joined the Spanish-based Sopela Women’s Team ahead of the 2019 season, the team announced yesterday.
The team will comprise a roster of 14 riders for next year, with six new recruits coming on-board, including Owen.
Sopela riders in action. Photo: Facebook/Sopela Team
Owen, 19, rode for the Cape Town-based Ciovita this year, a team started by Hazel Magill and Maroesjka Matthee.
The South African is the oldest of Sopela’s new signings, with the other five all aged 18.
They are: Andere Basterra Aspe, Amaia Malatsetxebarria, Ariadna Nevado, Alexandra Moreno and Mireia Trias Jordán, all from Spain.
The team said in a statement they would give Owen the chance to utilise her opportunities to race in Europe.
“It’s important to rely on the girls who push hard. We have formed a team that makes us better and more competitive,” team director Francisco Pla said.
“All the girls who have joined the team are riders who have shown desire. Their way of cycling fits in with what we wanted and demanded during the year.”
The rest of the team roster are as follows:
Iurani Blanco, Julia Casas, Isabel Ferreres, Sara Martín, Maria Martins, Mireia Muñoz, Sofía Rodríguez and Ariadna Trias.
