Beating some of SA’s best female cyclists to win the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour may have been a dream come true for 18-year-old Cherise Taylor, but her celebrations are far from over.
In addition to receiving a cool R16,000 first prize for her victory, Taylor has also won a trip to Italy with a guaranteed spot to participate in the Nove Colli – or Nine Hills – Cycle Race on 18 May.
The Nove Colli is an annual Italian cycle race that takes place in the heart of Emilia Romagna. From its humble beginnings with only seventeen cyclists in 1970, the event has since grown to attracting over 11,000 cyclists from around the globe today.
"What an awesome cherry on top – I have never raced in Italy before and have heard all about the mountains," says Taylor. "It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and will definitely be the highlight of my cycling career."
The Pretoria-based teen who rides in MTN’s professional women’s team colours also hinted at her joy of receiving the same prize money as her male counterpart Robert Hunter, who won the men’s division of Cycle Tour.
"I feel that the level of ladies cycling has improved dramatically and having incentives like equal prize money will reinforce a positive attitude towards races."
Meanwhile, Taylor has her sights firmly set on the rest of the 2008 cycling season, including the Chongming Tour in China next month and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
"If I have the fortune of representing South Africa at the Olympics, training for the event will be my main focus," adds Taylor. "This is where my participation in the Nove Colli will be really beneficial as the Olympics course is very hilly."
Add to this the upcoming SA Champs and the World Championships later in the year, Taylor has a very busy diary indeed. "But I like having a busy schedule as it forces me to stay in top form," she smiles.
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
