Brad Gouveris has always been an avid fan of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, which takes place on Sunday, and it has long been his dream to achieve a top result in the race.
Brad Gouveris (pictured wearing a white helmet) is hoping for a top result in the Cape Town Cycle Tour, which takes place on Sunday. Photo: Henk Neuhoff
“The Cape Town Cycle Tour is the biggest race on the calendar for us and to win that is massive,” said the 22-year-old, who will ride for Alfa Bodyworks.
Gouveris, who has signed with top French team CR4C Roanne and will ride for the outfit from April, added that he had started the race three times.
“In 2017 it was cancelled due to the wind, in 2018 I punctured at the bottom of Chapman’s Peak and couldn’t get a spare wheel. Last year was my first time completing the race and I’m not sure where I finished overall. I was in a small chasing group.”
The national criterium champion said the Cape Town Cycle Tour was tough.
“It’s such a big peloton and just one mess-up can cost you the race.
“I’ll just have to race to the best of my ability and hope everything falls into place for me.”
Gouveris, who came third in the U23 race at the national road champs this month, said he would try to stay towards the front, away from any problems, and hopefully make it to the sprint finish, which was his main goal.
“Also, I think it’s important to take the race in steps. First is to get to Smitswinkel safe and towards the front, then it’s Chapman’s Peak where position is also crucial.
“Finally there is Suikerbossie, which is a very important climb in the race. So for me my goal will be to try to get over Suikerbossie and then hopefully a chance at the sprint.
“It’s a race with three iconic climbs and I prefer climbing short and sharp climbs, so hopefully the race will suit me. I’m not sure how I will be after Tour of Good Hope, but I will give my absolute best to make it over each climb.”
He added that the climbs could cause splits in the bunch.
“Positioning is crucial and if you miss the split that is the end of the race. I’m not sure how the body will be after this week of racing, but I will give everything I have. Only time will tell.”
He said he was really looking forward to “this fantastic race” and could not wait for Sunday morning.
“It’s always a great feeling to line up at the start line to do this iconic race,” said Gouveris, who has been included in the national team for the 2020 African Continental Road Championships.
