ProTouch’s Gustav Basson made a personal breakthrough at the end of April when he won two major races in one week, the inaugural Tour de Limpopo followed by the Tour Durban.
The 22-year-old took the first stage of the Limpopo race, which laid the foundation for the remainder of the four-day tour.
Gustav Basson made a personal breakthrough at the end of April when he won two major races in one week. Photo: Anthony Grote
Because it was a UCI-category race, Basson picked up valuable points by winning the tour, which improved his chances of racing in Europe over the next couple of seasons.
“My goal is to ride pro for a WorldTour team in Europe,” Basson told In the Bunch. “That is probably the main goal in cycling in general.
“My next ambition is to be able to make my way onto the WorldTour rankings and base myself in Europe while racing.
“After that I will focus on trying to win races on the WorldTour. That is the ultimate goal.”
Basson, who on Friday was selected to represent the South African under-23 team at the Grand Prix Priesnitz Spa in Czech Republic, said getting enough rest was one of the reasons for his success.
“Resting has been very important for my form so far this season. I rested a lot while working at the ASG shop in Pretoria.
“However, my form is not where it is supposed to be yet. It was much better this time last year when I was racing in Belgium.
“But it is picking up and getting better and I feel like it will be good when I go to Europe, which is a step in the right direction.”
He said the introduction of the Tour de Limpopo was a good innovation for Cycling SA.
“It is a very good building block for Cycling SA,” Basson said. “We had races in the past that were UCI-rated, but then it went quiet for two years.
“Heading into the future it will play an important role for cyclists in the country, with many having goals and ambitions to move up higher in the sport. It is definitely a move in the right direction.”
As a result of his prowess thus far this season, Basson currently leads the under-23/elite Road Cycling Series standings after 15 local events. He has racked up a total of 366 points, 26 clear of teammate Jayde Julius in second.
Basson feels the standings and ranking system are necessary for the growth of cycling in South Africa.
“It gives a lot of motivation for riders to compete in every race and do well,” he said. “I think it is a big plus for cycling in the country. More teams and sponsors will be able to get involved.
“It will be very good for the sport going forward.”
Basson does not think he will be able to hold onto his position at the top of the standings, however.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to defend it now that I am going to Spain for three months,” he said.
“There will still be racing happening over here, so there will still be points up for grabs.”
