Date: 10 March 2024
Unknown at the time, but the Hagens Berman Axeon Cycling Team was signing a future two-time Portuguese national champion with the addition of Gonçalo Tavares back in 2023. Gonçalo joined Axeon from the Bairrada Cycling Team.
“Gonçalo had previously been in the slipstream of Antonio (Morgado),” said sport director Koos Moerenhout. “Our program will give him the opportunity to see what type of rider he really is now that Antonio has moved up to the WorldTour and where Gonçalo can accelerate best. He shows good potential and is still young.”
Gonçalo’s Palmares:
1st place 2024 National Championships Portugal U23 - ITT
5th place 2024 National Championships Portugal U23 - Road Race
1st place 2023 National Championships Portugal U23 - Road Race
2nd place 2023 National Championships Portugal U23 - ITT
“The highlight for me last year was probably winning the national U23 TT title, something I was already chasing, not specifically in the U23 category, but it was a goal to win the TT in the Nationals,” said Gonçalo. “I think I learned a lot last season, mainly mentally. It’s been a year full of lows and not so many highs, but I truly believe that I’m more prepared than ever to handle the lows and to get the highs even higher. For this year, it’s very simple, I’d like to step up my level, that’s what I’m looking forward to the most. Instead of saying ‘this’ or ‘that race,’ if I can step up my level to a competitive level overall that’s everything that I’m looking forward to.”
