Carla Oberholzer will ride for the Spanish Bizkaia-Durango team for parts of her 2020 season.
The former South African national road champion will be based in Durango during her time with the outfit, which she also rode for in 2017.
“I have kept contact with the team and especially its manager, Agurtzane Elorriaga Derteano, ever since.
“She has asked me to ride for the team again before, but due to work commitments I unfortunately wasn’t able to. I’m very blessed that I’m able to step away from work a bit again in 2020 and to go and race in Europe.”
Carla Oberholzer (left) will ride for Bizkaia-Durango for parts of her 2020 season. Photo: Henk Neuhoff
The 32-year-old said she hoped to make a positive contribution to the team and to find her place as a rider in a “hugely talented squad”.
“I have no problem being a domestique and working for stronger riders while earning my spot. I haven’t received my full race calendar yet so it’s difficult to set personal goals.”
She added that the goals she had identified thus far for next year were the national road race champs and the Tokyo Olympic Games.
“This is however selection-dependent, but that is my long-term aim and what I’ll be working towards.
“Once I receive my Bizkaia racing calendar I will identify key races with management and my coach which I can also work towards.”
Oberholzer said she felt it was important to keep challenging herself as an athlete and to do that she had to broaden her horizons by racing abroad.
“It will be challenging on a personal level, being away from my family and our restaurant for long periods. You are exposed to a new language as well as a team which functions differently to what you are used to.
“You need to learn to work with different nationalities and cultures – all while trying to perform at your top level. You need to get used to travelling and different eating and sleeping habits.
“Luckily I know what to expect this time around.”
She added that she was familiar with the surroundings to which she would be returning and with the management of the team.
“They took such good care of me in 2017 and they have supported me ever since, so I’m super happy to return to such an environment.
“Career-wise I believe that I’ll gain invaluable racing experience in the European peloton, adjusting to racing longer distances in bigger bunches and at a higher level than in SA.
“With 2020 being an Olympic year I want to do everything in my power to improve in a professional team environment so that, should I be selected to compete at the Games, I’ll be able to make a meaningful contribution to a result for SA female road-racing.”
Oberholzer said she felt grateful, a bit nervous but mostly excited.
“I need a new challenge and I can’t wait to contribute to a team which is willing to give me the opportunity to pursue my personal goals.”
