I am a 23-year old South African professional cyclist, riding for the UCI-registered ProTouch Continental Team – the number one team in Africa . I am considered as an all rounder/ Puncheur-type of rider, with the ability to climb, contest for the General Classification competition and also able to sprint, when the need arises.

I rode for ProTouch for two years when it was still a Club Team and I returned this year to ProTouch, now as a Continental Team. I am ranked 8th in South Africa, 26^th in Africa and 627^th in the UCI World rankings.

“I live my dreams, by racing my bike” Gustav Basson

HERE IS MY STORY – Growing up, every July I could not wait to get home from school to watch the greatest race on earth – Le Tour de France with my dad. Even at this young age, I realized how profoundly obsessed I was with cycling and my dream is to become one of the greatest South African cyclists, competing in a “Grand Tour”.

I participated in a number of sporting activities at school including Athletics and Rugby, but cycling is my true love. I know that dedication and hard work, helps to achieve whatever you want in life even though sometimes you face great challenges and obsticles along the way.

In 2009, my life took a bad turn when I was diagnosed with Scheuermann’s disease. I was told by the doctors treating me, that I would no longer be able to participate in sport. I outgrew this disease and in 2012, I finally had the opportunity to fulfill my dream to become a professional cyclist.

I take pride in wearing the ProTouch Jersey and what it means to be a South African rider on the World Stage. I ride with purpose and dedication always. I aspire to achieve my goals, while assisting my Team in achieving its goals for South Africa too.

 HERE ARE SOME OF MY 2019 NOTABLE RESULTS:

 4 STAGE WINS/ CLASSIC FINISHES ; 1 TOP 10 GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FINISHES; 12 TOP 10 STAGE/ CLASSIC FINISHES; 4 TOP 20 STAGE/ CLASSIC FINISHES.

• 100 CYCLE CHALLENGE – UCI 1.2 – 9^th Place
• SA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS – RR – 24^th Place
• TOUR OF GOOD HOPE – UCI 2.2 – 382,6 KM – Stage 1 – 4^th Place (Elite); Stage 2 – 1^st Place (Elite); Stage 3 – 2^nd Place (Elite); Stage 4 – 14^th Place ; Stage 5 – 30^th Place (Elite); 19^th Place in General Classification ; 4^th Place in Points Classification.
• TOUR DE TAIWAN – UCI 2.1 – Stage 1 –10^th Place ; Stage 2 – 39^th Place ; Stage 3 –16^th Place ; Stage 4 – 50^th Place ; Stage 5 – 10^th Place ; 49^th Place in General Classification ; 17^th Place in Points Classification.
• TOUR DE LIMPOPO – UCI 2.2 – Stage 1 –1^st Place; Stage 2 – 25^th Place; Stage 3 – 6^th Place; Stage 4 – 37^th Place; 15^th Place in General Classification
• LES CHALLENGE DE LA MARCHE VERTE – GP OUED EDDAHAB – UCI 1.2 – 4^th Place ; Part of the Winning Team
• LES CHALLENGE DE LA MARCHE VERTE – GP AL MASSIRA – UCI 1.2 – 1^st Place
• CHALLENGE INTERNATIONAL du SAHARA MOROCAINE – UCI 2.1 – Stage 1 – 3^rd Place; Stage 2 – 5^th Place; Stage 3 – 1^stPlace ; 1^st Place in General Classification ; 1^st Place in Points Classification.