Loss to rivals does not stop Potgieter
WILGEHEUWEL – Professional cyclist shrugs off disappointment with new and exciting challenges.
Local resident, Bradley Potgieter (27), cycled for team RoadCover in the Bestmed Cycle4Cansa Classic at Sun City, where he was placed third for the team.
The professional cyclist said he was disappointed with the result as he misjudged the final sprint to the finish and ended up giving road space to his competitors. The race went to Team Telkom, and Nolan Hoffman secured first place for the team.
Potgieter commented that he did not like that the race was so flat, however, there were no problems on the road as traffic marshals controlled traffic, and the doping control was executed well. He said that the only real downside was the three-hour wait between the race and prize giving.
“It was nice to cycle in a race that supports a cause and I think all races should have a cause connected to it,” Potgieter added.
However, this race will not get RoadCover or Potgieter down as they will compete in the Tour Réunion on the island of Réunion on 1 September. This will be the team’s first international race.
Potgieter has been cycling from the age of 11 and knew after his first bicycle race that we wanted to go pro, but could only be recognised as a professional when he turned 18.
The highlights of his career so far have been riding for Team MTN Qhubeka, cycling at the World Team Time Trial Championships in 2012, and placing first in the aQuellé Tour Durban in April this year. Continuing his hold on first place, Potgieter also won the Emperor’s Palace Classic in the same month.
Potgieter’s advice to young cyclists who wish to go professional is to keep pursuing the dream and to remember that consistency is key.
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