Matt Posted November 17, 2011 Posted November 17, 2011 Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge - Women’s event a likely two-horse racePress Release - 16 November 2011 Cherise Taylor (USN) and Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (Nashua-Toyota) are set to be the two main protagonists in the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge women’s race on Sunday. Over the past 12 months Taylor has been dominating the local scene, winning most races that matter. Her biggest success was winning the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour and the SA individual time trial title. She is also the defending Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge champion. But it’s certainly not a given that Taylor will successfully defend her title on Sunday. Over the season Moolman-Pasio has proven that she certainly is the one rider who has the ability to spoil Taylor's day. She recently out-sprinted Taylor at the OFM Classic to take the victory. When one takes international results into account it becomes clear that Moolman-Pasio is currently South Africa's top female cyclist. Many a cycling pundit predicts that she will be the first rider since 1956 to win a medal for South Africa at the Olympic Games or the UCI Road World Championships. At this year's World's in Copenhagen, Denmark, she finished 23rd in the same time as the winner. Moolman-Pasio is satisfied with the way her season has played out. "It was my first full season in Europe. Last year my season was shortened by injuries. "I have gained so much experience and learnt a lot. My season started off with a bit of bad luck. I was dogged by illness and crashed at critical times in races like the Fleche Wallone World Cup, the Alfredo Binda World Cup and Giro. It cost me, but towards the end of the season things have come together nicely. "I set some really aggressive goals for this year - some I achieved and some not. That is the funny thing about cycling at this level, achieving your goal is not always under your control. “Experience, timing and a bit of luck goes a long way. Although I have not achieved all my goals, it does not take me long to get over the disappointment. My strong faith keeps me motivated. Every race is a new opportunity. Moolman-Pasio’s best result thus far is finishing second to Emma Pooley in Tour de l'Ardeche. “This tour was a great learning curve for me. Finishing second to one of the world's best climbers was a great confidence boost for future tours. "The Giro d'Italia Femminile, otherwise known as the Giro Donne, is my favourite race. It is the toughest women's tour. It takes place over 10 days and includes some of the biggest mountain passes Europe has to offer. My dream is to win this race. "My goal is also to promote women’s cycling in our sometimes testosterone-driven world. I am driven by passion and purpose. Pushing my body to the limits every day reminds me how wonderfully and beautifully we are made!” Cycling was not always her biggest passion. "I have always been sporty, but mainly took part in hockey and tennis at school. "When I got to university, Chemical Engineering turned out to be a very demanding degree and I struggled to find time for the team sports which required attending specific practice sessions. “Carl, now my husband, was a South African tri-athlete at the time and he encouraged me to start running and cycling. "I first dabbled in triathlon and duathlon, but after struggling with a few running injuries, I decided to focus on cycling - a decision I will never regret. Moolman-Pasio lives in South Africa for half of the year and in Varese, Italy, for the other half. In Italy she races for the Lotto ladies team and trains with her husband. "When I’m not cycling I keep myself busy reading and blogging. My hobbies include cooking, travelling and spending time with family. I have a weakness for good coffee, dark chocolate and like to sleep late. Moolman-Pasio's best international results in 2011 are:4th Stage 3, Individual Time Trial at Emakumeen Bira Tour (2.1, Spain)6th overall and Queen of the Mountains at Emakumeen Bira Tour (2.1, Spain)13th overall Giro d'Italia Femminile (2.1, Italy)11th at GP Bretagne Plouay (World Cup, France)2nd Stage 3, Individual Time Trial at Tour Cycliste International de l'Ardeche (2.2, France)2nd overall and Queen of the Mountains at Tour Cycliste International de l'Ardeche (2.2, France)5th stage 3, Giro della Toscana (2.1, Italy).
CAAD4 Posted November 17, 2011 Posted November 17, 2011 I quite fancy Mr. Flemish Lion's chances too. The way she rode away from Anriette on TV on Tuesday night was quite special....
Andyr249 Posted November 17, 2011 Posted November 17, 2011 I never knew 94.7 was a horse race. Where can I get a horse so close to race day? I think it will be Ashleigh's race.
Flemish Lion Posted November 17, 2011 Posted November 17, 2011 I quite fancy Mr. Flemish Lion's chances too. The way she rode away from Anriette on TV on Tuesday night was quite special.... I hope you mean Mrs Thanks for the support! It will be a very tactical race. The route suits Ash and Jo nicely (although the hills/drags are a little short), Lise and Cherise will have their work cut out for them! And don't discount Marissa!
Tiny K Posted November 17, 2011 Posted November 17, 2011 (edited) I never knew 94.7 was a horse race. Where can I get a horse so close to race day? I think it will be Ashleigh's race. The dark horse is always the winner.... well that is what I gather from movies anyway :lol: Edit: so who is the most well tanned? Edited November 17, 2011 by Tiny K
Flemish Lion Posted November 21, 2011 Posted November 21, 2011 The route suits Ash and Jo nicely (although the hills/drags are a little short), Lise and Cherise will have their work cut out for them! Not a bad prediction
Danger Dassie Posted November 21, 2011 Posted November 21, 2011 Congrats man, solid result all round.
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