Moolman-Pasio sets sight on Rio medal

Cape Town - The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee today confirmed Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio’s selection to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The South African will be partaking in her second Olympic Games and is the fourth Cervélo Bigla Pro Cycling rider selected.

“It’s always an honour to be selected to represent your country but to be selected to the Olympic Games is even more special,” Moolman-Pasio said.

“I’ve already shared what the Olympic Games means to me as a sporting event. It’s an event where everyone unites to inspire others through sport. In London 2012, it was all about just going to the games for me but from there I made myself a promise that I wanted to use the four years in the build up to Rio to be able to go there with a chance to medal."

In 2012 Olympic Games in London, Moolman-Pasio finished 16th in the women's road race and 24th in the women's time trial.

"It’s exciting to be selected. I’ve been to Rio and I think it’s an amazing place and I am going to make my country proud,” she concluded.

Moolman-Pasio is joined by Lotta Lepistö who will represent Finland while Stephanie Pohl and Lisa Klein will be in German colours. The team’s season largely was focused on the games as the event is a major one in terms of exposure for women’s cycling.

Team Manager Thomas Campana said: “The team’s season was built around the Olympic Games. Everything was to support the girls to get as many riders to the games.

"We’d like to congratulate the riders. The ones who made the selection were chosen based on their overall sportive performance. It’s a unique experience to represent your country at the Olympic Games and we couldn’t be any happier, they deserve it," said Campana.

It's finally official! Incredibly grateful for opportunity to represent my country @Rio2016_en! Excited beyond words! #RoadToRio #teamSArise

— Ashleigh Moolman (@ashleighcycling) July 14, 2016

Super happy @CarlPasio is coming to #Rio2016 for #TeamSA! Wouldn't be where I am today without him #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/TDudcHY52W

— Ashleigh Moolman (@ashleighcycling) July 14, 2016