Carla Oberholzer was delighted to form part of the 12-man Cape Cycle Tours team that set a new course record for mixed teams at the Double90 in Clarens, Free State, yesterday.
“Our time was more than 10 minutes faster than any of the previous mixed teams,” said Oberholzer, who finished the 180km team time trial with her team in 4:43:00.
“We’re super happy to take the win. It’s one of those special races where you need a good team behind you to be able to be successful.”
The Cape Cycle Tours team set a new course record for mixed teams at the Double90 in Clarens, Free State, yesterday. Photo: Llewellyn Lloyd/Reblex Photography
The squad also consisted of Alex Lindeque, Lloyd Robinson, Dean Packham, Jono Cloete, Catherine Colyn, Lucy James, Orion Craigue, Alvin Tarr, Dane Walsh, Mark Cheyne and Craig Edwards.
“I know for many of the riders it was not only their first podium, but their first big victory. We had all the pressure on us but everyone performed superbly and brought their A-game.
“I’m happy I was able to be part of such a team of superstars and that we could pull it off on the day,” said Oberholzer.
She added that they only started with three women so they had to take care of them because in a mixed team you have to finish with at least three women.
“We started off quite easy on the first climb going out of Clarens and then we just took the next couple of kilometres to get into a nice rhythm and pace line.
“The girls sat on the back for basically all the way into the Golden Gate reserve. The guys did a really great job of riding the pace line, pulling us along, protecting us and keeping us out of the wind.”
Oberholzer said they entered and left the feed zone with all 12 riders and only started losing teammates as they entered the reserve.
“I think the steep gradients on the first couple of climbs just came as a bit of a shock to the body. Then we lost two or three and I think we finished with eight or nine.”
She added that she loved the race and route and that the first couple of kilometres after the feed zone were probably the hardest.
“Just because you stop and your legs get a bit cold and you have to get the engine going again.
“The climbs were hard as well, but I love climbing so it wasn’t that big a challenge.”
Oberholzer felt that everyone did their part. They formed a good unit and raced well together.
“Lloyd was a big driving force in getting the team together and Jono was superb on the day as captain, making sure everyone stayed in line.
“Thanks to the team for offering me the opportunity to ride for them. I had so much fun and really enjoyed my bike the most that I probably have this year.”
