Bianca Holtzkampf is gearing up for an epic battle for the women’s podium at the Double Century which takes place in the Swellendam district on Saturday.
Holtzkampf is part of the Tiletoria Train team which also comprises Aluis Inglis, Desiree Strydom, Nadia Visser, Chanel Hannah, Annemie Koen, Anneke Jacobs, Sarita Louw, Desray Neale Foyn, Chante van der Merwe, Liezel Jordaan and Hanli Cilliers.
The 12-woman team, which won the 202km team time-trial in 2014 and 2017, also holds the current course record (5:58:00) which was set two years ago.
Holtzkampf said their goal this year was to finish on the podium, preferably on the top spot.
The Tiletoria Train team holds the current Double Century course record. Photo: Supplied
“As the current women’s course record holders and not having raced last year we feel we have what it takes to be in the top spot,” she said.
“The Double Century is our favourite event on the calendar – not only from an organisational point of view but the format also renders it unique.
“The camaraderie amongst teammates and other teams make this a most memorable event. Further to this is the fact that women’s racing is now acknowledged as equal to that of the male teams.
“We’re looking forward to a titanic battle amongst the women’s teams.”
She said their team tactic – without giving away too many details – was to race to their strengths as rolleurs.
“Our strength comes from our ability to pull together as a cohesive team and the way we look after one another.
“Our spirit and morale is key. It enables us to go into the race feeling united and confident in tackling it and meeting the challenge of a 202km race head-on. But we never forget to have fun, too.”
Holtzkampf said their past experience had shown it was beneficial to keep riders together and that as a team it was inevitable one or two would be lost during certain sections, especially on the climbs.
“In 2017 we managed to ride a course record finishing with 10 riders. It really all depends on the team. We ride to our strength and ability on the day.
“What will make it easier this year is that the organisers have given the women the specific opportunity to start early and in theory they should all then be the stronger teams on the road.
“This means less interference from others, allowing us to focus on our own race. Keeping together is thus a much easier task.”
She said their black-and-yellow kit symbolised a beehive community. That went hand in hand with their motto of working together like bees and also bringing a buzz to the race.
“You are certain to hear us coming, whether it’s the legs talking or our mouths motivating one another or having a little joke to lift the spirits.”
Holtzkampf felt the rolling hills of the course would play in their favour.
“Our team mostly consist of rolleurs and strong time-trialists – including three SA National time-trial winners and three Iron (Wo)man athletes who have the endurance.
“In addition to that we have very strong multi-day mountain bikers who showed great form in this year’s Wines2Whales.”
She added that their motto was to control what they could control.
“Having a control freak as captain and ‘Mrs In Case of Emergency’ Desiree [Strydom] as vice-captain, we think we have it under control.
“We lost the Double Century by less than a minute a few years back because of a rear wheel slash with less than 2km to the end.
“These obstacles happen and are normal race incidents. You learn, and now we try and take at least eight riders to the line. The only obstacles are the last three climbs. We affectionately call them the three sisters.”
Holtzkampf said captaining the winning side to a course record in 2017 was one of her career highlights.
“Personally, this is my favourite event on the calendar and a podium finish is always a highlight for me.
“Being able to marshal 12 riders to a success, which in our case is racing for a podium, is the greatest feeling.
“The exuberance of crossing the line as a cohesive unit means so much more than an individual win to me personally.”
