The 2023 South African National Championships that was held this past weekend in Oudtshoorn, and was nothing short of exciting racing.
The Criterium Race was a 1.38km lap with 11m elevation of which the Elite and u/23 ladies were to race 45 minutes +1 lap.
The conditions were hot and windy but that didn’t slow them down. It started off with attacking, which later became tactical, making the race slower than expected. Charlissa rode an exceptional race, keeping the pace up with 2 laps to go. Maroesjka took on the sprint finish and managed 2nd place after Hayley Preen. While disappointed with her own performance, she was positive for the road race.
The following day, the Individual Time Trial took place, with a 19,89km route of 65 elevation gain.
Conditions weren’t any easier, but the determination could be felt in the air. Zanri was in search for her gold medal to round up her podium collection.
“It was hard and definitely not a course that suited me perfectly. But it feels amazing to be the SA Champ.”
After a day’s rest, the SA National Road Championship took place on Saturday. The course for both Elite and u/23 Women was 136km which was split into 4 laps of a 34km loop.
Maroesjka classified the race as a “smasher”. She broke off early and spent most of the race out front, eventually blowing up on the last lap.
Being on her home ground, Charlissa remarked that she was on her best form. “I could feel it throughout the race. I was able to go with the attacks and cover the moves. But in the end, I couldn’t respond to the move made by Frances. I hung on for dear life and Maroesjka got me to the line.”
Her efforts earned her 3rd place in the u/23 age category. “I could not be prouder to be part of this team. Maroesjka and Zanri are some of the strongest riders in the women’s peloton and I feel honoured to be racing with them. It was also nice to have Ashleigh there. She gave it her all and helped everywhere she could.”
After an outstanding ITT performance, Zanri showed up once again, putting her TT skills to good use after doing a flyer with 2km to go. She was ultimately caught 15m from the finish line, but in her words, “there are no regrets.” She gave it her all.
Ashleigh found it to be the most brutal race she’s ever done in her 15 years of racing. While not entirely satisfied, the 4 hours in 40-degree heat got the better of her, and she gave it her best.
“I think it was a gutsy race by our team, I personally really enjoyed it, and I look forward to what’s to come.” Says Maroesjka
Elite Women Criterium Results
1st – Hayley Preen
2nd – Maroesjka Matthee
3rd – Taneal Otto
Elite Women Individual Time Trial Results
1st – Zanri Rossouw
2nd – Hayley Preen
3rd – S’annara Grove
Elite Women Road Race Results
1st – Frances Janse van Rensburg
2nd – Cherise Willeit
3rd – Candice Lill
u/23 Women Road Race Results
1st – Frances Janse van Rensburg
2nd – Lize-Ann Louw
3rd – Charlissa Schultz
