Brandon Downes expects to be doing most of the spade work when he starts competing for his new team, BCX, in 2018.
“With two of the best sprinters in the country (Nolan Hoffman and Clint Hendricks) and a lot of flat racing to be done, I’m sure I will be required to put in the hard yards to help the team win,” he said today.
“I’m excited to move into a structured set-up like BCX. There is a lot of experience and great morale.
“On the management side, there’s also much experience. They will give me the direction and focus I need,” he added.
Brandon Downes will be ready to put in the hard yards at his newly signed team, BCX. Photo: Wielerfoto’s Els
Downes, who hails from Johannesburg, said he was first alerted by BCX while he was racing in Europe for three months.
“Based on my results in Belgium, I got to ride for a team in the south of France,” he recalled. “While I was there, my coach contacted me and asked if I’d be interested in riding for BCX.
“After I returned to South Africa at the end of August, the real discussions began. The team manager, Magnus (Gouws), contacted me and I realised they were interested in having me as a prospect.
“He and Malcolm (Lange), the team owner, then outlined their objectives for the season ahead. Their objectives and my aspirations met, and we came to an agreement.”
Downes, who won the overall title in the Panorama Tour in May, said BCX would provide him with richer opportunities.
“I have been involved only with smaller teams. A team like BCX will offer me more support.
“Going into races, I’ll have a strong team around me. That will benefit me as well as my six teammates.
“I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead. I think it’s going to be a great year,” Downes added.
