Scene set for exciting Women’s Race at Tshwane Classic

The sparks are set to fly among the country’s top women in Sunday’s Tshwane Classic, presented by Jacaranda FM and Sun Time Square.

The event will very likely boil down to a two-horse race in the women’s category, says Bestmed Women’s Team manager Owen Botha. “I believe the two girls to watch are Joanna van de Winkel (Cycle Nation) and Carla Oberholzer (Demacon).

Botha is the longest running women’s team manager in South Africa and many of the sport’s stars have come through his set-up over the past 16 years.

“Joanna has been very vocal about the negative racing lately and much of it is directed at the Demacon Team. So, there will be action in Pretoria for sure!”

Defending champion Yzette Oelofse, who forms part of the Bestmed team, will not be racing this year. “It’s a real pity that she isn’t racing, but we have two girls who are more than capable of finishing in the top five.”

The two women representing Bestmed are Danielle Strydom and S’annara Grove. Nineteen-tear-old Strydom claimed a podium spot in the Bestmed Cycle4Cansa earlier this year and is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the sport. “Both girls can climb, but they still have to learn a lot as far as race craft is concerned to consistently win races.”

According to Botha the big dark horse is Zanri Rossouw. “If she gets good guidance on the bike she will win many races.”

The Tom Jenkins climb, which presents itself 11km from the finish line, will likely break up the women’s bunch. “I see the race breaking up and it should be a sprint between maybe three girls,” says Botha.

Various roads in Pretoria are affected by the presentation between 05h45 and 13h30 on Sunday. For affected roads and alternative routes visit the event website at www.tshwaneclassic.co.za.

Residents who would still like to enter, can visit one of the registration venues this week. All the registration venues and times are also listed on www.tshwaneclassic.co.za

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