Giant’s Brad Gouveris Clinches PPA Vida League Crown

19-year-old sprinter, Brad Gouveris, wins PPA Vida League with spectacular all-round performance.


Bicycling Staff |

19-year-old sprinter, Brad Gouveris, wins PPA Vida League with spectacular all-round performance.

Photograph By FullGas Racing

Comprising six challenging road races the PPA Vida League has been a resounding success catering for riders of all categories and ages. The racing was hard and tactical – particularly in category 1 where the top 3 were separated by just a handful of points but it was Team Giant’s Bradley Gouveris who came up tops in the end.

Hailing from Port Elizabeth and riding his first season as a professional, Gouveris was elated by the way he and his team performed throughout the campaign.

“After winning race 2 (West Coast Express) the team decided they were going to ride for me because the route profiles suited me as an overall contender. I’ve got a good sprint and my climbing isn’t too bad.”

The overall victory was all but sealed when he crossed the line in first place three weeks ago at the 90km DurbieDash but was disqualified for following the wrong route. This win would not have only given him the league title but also the opportunity to test himself against the country’s best at the Momentum 947 Cycle Challenge.

Still, the youngster holds no hard feelings for the what transpired and reckons the PPA League was well-organised and promoted good, competitive racing.

“The league is a step in the right direction for PPA. It adds a new dynamic to cycling in the Western Cape. It’s not just about winning one race anymore but rather showing consistency over a period of time,” added Gouveris.

Asked about missing yesterday’s 947, Gouveris said there’s always next year.

“I was going to do 947 but I got disqualified at the DurbieDash and was forced to do the final race to win the league, which took place on the exact same day. I wanted to test my form against the top riders in the country and I should have been there but there’s always next year.”

Vida League GC

1. Brad Gouveris (Team Giant)
2. Max Sullivan (Team Mad Macs p/b häzz Coffee)
3. Alex Parsons (Alfa Body Works)

READ MORE ON: industry news People

Copyright © 2024 Hearst
..