Different focus for Carla Oberholzer going into Amashova

Defending champion Carla Oberholzer says after suffering two fractures this year her goals are slightly different as she gears up for the Amashova Durban Classic on Sunday.

The 32-year-old Demacon rider, who has two consecutive Amashova victories under the belt, said of necessity she had to adopt a fresh approach this year.

“Obviously we always race to win, and as a team that will be our number one goal. But for the path I’m on if it includes winning races then at this stage it will be a massive bonus.”

Oberholzer, who placed third in last weekend’s Satellite Classic, said she was not too sure how well prepared she was ahead of the event.

“After a double setback with two fractures – pelvis in July and clavicle in September – I’ve lost a lot of form but gained a lot of perspective.

“I appreciate each day I’m able to ride and each gain I make that much more, so I guess I’m feeling mainly grateful at this stage.”

Due to the two successive injuries, and thus having a slightly different focus to what she would normally have at this time of the year, she said if she felt good at the race and managed to do well that would be a welcome outcome.

“Otherwise I’m there to support my teammates and to enjoy racing my bike to the best of my current capabilities.”

Regarding tactics, she said they had not really discussed these, but had a broad-spectrum idea of what worked and what did not.

“It all depends on the day, as well as on who is feeling good.

“As a team we’ve become quite good at allowing different race scenarios to unfold and I truly believe we have the riders to win from any situation.”

Oberholzer said they normally overcame any challenges that arose by doing their homework well – on both the route and the conditions on the day.

“Then we use our different riders’ strengths to suit the varying conditions. Communication on the day is also key.”

She added that she knew the route pretty well and felt the first challenge was Fox Hill, which presented itself quite early.

“At about the halfway mark there are also some climbs and then depending on the wind the highway section can also be challenging.

“I just love the race, so even if the route doesn’t necessarily suit my current capabilities I’m still looking forward to giving it a good go.”

Organisers announced that at this year’s event there will still be one women’s category that includes elite, U23 and vets riders for the 106km distance. The first five across the line will receive the same prize money as the men.

“I think combining the women’s categories is the right decision for now,” said Oberholzer.

“If you split it into U23 and elite and vets each category will be very small, which could result in very slow and negative racing.

“Now the U23s can hopefully learn from the elites and a lot of the veteran women are strong enough to race elite level as well.”

She believed this would help lift the overall level for everyone and was what the sport needed at the moment – more ladies to race in the elite bunch.

“They shouldn’t be intimidated. We are all just human. Most of us also work full-time, so we actually have a lot more in common than some of them might think.

“It is awesome that we receive equal prize money to the men. There’s a slow but definite shift towards this across cycling disciplines and it’s very encouraging to see.”