Last updated on 7. May 2025
The Rally World Sees a Major Change:
South African rider Bradley Cox has officially signed as a factory rider for the Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team. He takes over from experienced Portuguese rider Rui Gonçalves, who announced his retirement after an impressive career.
🏁 Bradley Cox: The Rise of a Talent
Bradley Cox, son of South African off-road legend Alfie Cox, has made a name for himself in recent years. After winning the Rally2 World Cup in 2024 and making his debut in the RallyGP category at Dakar 2025—cut short by a crash—he is now ready for new challenges. His first race for Sherco will be the Safari Rally in South Africa from May 18 to 24.
“It’s a dream to ride for a factory team,” said Cox. “I’ve already spent a few days on the bike and feel very comfortable. I’m excited about the upcoming races, especially the W2RC round in South Africa!”
🏍️ Rui Gonçalves: A Worthy Farewell
Rui Gonçalves, who was runner-up in the MX2 World Championship in 2009, transitioned to rally raid in 2021 and impressed with a 19th place in his Dakar debut. Despite technical setbacks in the following years, he consistently showed resilience. At Dakar 2025, he achieved a remarkable 11th place overall.
In an emotional farewell post, Gonçalves thanked Sherco: “Thank you Sherco Racing Factory for the good memories and the things we learned together. Now it’s time for a new chapter.”
🔄 A Generational Shift at Sherco
With Gonçalves stepping down and Cox stepping in, Sherco is aiming for a blend of experience and youthful energy. Cox will race alongside riders like Lorenzo Santolino and Harith Noah, who have already brought success to the team. This move highlights Sherco’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent while relying on proven experience.
🌍 Looking Ahead: Sherco’s Future in Rally Raid
The signing of Bradley Cox marks a strategic move for Sherco to climb further in the rally scene. With his experience and ambition, Cox could play a key role in Sherco’s future. His debut at the Safari Rally is highly anticipated, and the rally world is watching closely to see what comes next.
Roadbook to Rally will continue to follow the developments around Bradley Cox and Sherco and keep you up to date with all the latest news.
