Bradley Gouveris said it means a lot to him to be joining the French-based Christian Magimel Sud-Ouest Cyclisme Formation, but admitted he was rather nervous about his first foray into European cycling.
Gouveris, who has ridden for Alfa Bodyworks this year, will join the French outfit for the 2019 season, the team said in a Facebook post.
Another South African, Morne van Niekerk, is also a part of the team and has been making some headway this year, having racked up several podium positions and won a few races as well.
Just last weekend Van Niekerk won the 150km Tomato Souvenir Grand Prix Vérardo at Marmande, France.
Bradley Gouveris says it means a lot to him to be joining the French-based Christian Magimel Sud-Ouest Cyclisme Formation, but admits he is rather nervous about his first foray into European cycling. Photo: Rob Ward
Gouveris, 20, who hails from Port Elizabeth, said he was excited to be linking up with Van Niekerk, but also somewhat anxious.
“I’m not going to deny I’m really nervous,” he told In the Bunch today.
“I haven’t been to Europe to race on the road before, so this will be my first European visa.
“I’ve got an idea what the racing will be like but I don’t know exactly what to expect.”
Gouveris, who took part in the Makro Bestmed Cycle Tour in Port Elizabeth at the weekend, said he got on board with the French team through Van Niekerk.
“I’m not 100 per cent how it went down, but they spoke to Morne and he gave them my name. Then I pretty much got in contact with them and it worked out from there.
“Morne pretty much set everything up between us [him and the team].
“I’m excited and super grateful to the team for giving me this opportunity. It’s obviously a risk on their part as well, and I understand that.”
In order to prepare for what could be a daunting season in Europe, Gouveris said he and Van Niekerk planned to put in a training block in South Africa in December.
His goals for the next season would be to learn and gain as much experience as possible, Gouveris said.
“I’m not sure what role I will be given when I start. For me, the main thing will be to become a part of the team and learn how the European racing [system] works.
“In the process I hope to contribute to the team in any possible way that I can.”
Gouveris said he was fortunate to be joining a local friend on foreign territory but would not be attempting to “keep up” with Van Niekerk as the season unfolded.
“I’m not going to put pressure on myself to follow in Morne’s footsteps; he’s had an incredible season. I cannot judge myself against his performances.
“I will chat quite a bit to him and get as much advice and insight from him as I can over December when we train together.
“That will help a lot, because I know for a fact that the first few months over there will probably be the hardest time in my cycling career so far.
“But that’s something you have to deal with if you want to further yourself in the sport.”
