Jonathan Vervenne: “I want to build a solid foundation this year”

The promising Belgian is confident and excited ahead of his pro debut with the Wolfpack.

Jonathan Vervenne joined Soudal Quick-Step ahead of this season, recommended by a solid and impressive three-year stint with our Devo team, for which he won a total of 16 races. Among these, the European ITT Championships, a pair of gold medals at the Belgian ITT Nationals, and a spectacular victory at the Giro Next Gen, where he held off the peloton after an astonishing 62km solo on the roads of Lombardia.

Now, the 22-year-old Genk native is preparing for his first races as a World Tour rider – Classica Camp de Morvedre and Gran Premio Castellon – scheduled this weekend. Before traveling to Spain, Jonathan talked about his road so far, expectations for this season and his role in the team.

“I spent three seasons with the Devo Team and I received some amazing support from everyone there, and also got to race at international level, which helped me grow in confidence as a rider and prepared me well for joining the World Tour squad. That’s why I’m very grateful for that period spent there.”

I had many unforgettable moments during my time as an U23 rider!

“If I were to name a few, then those would be my win in the Tour des 100 Communes, the first U23 ITT title I got at the Belgian Nationals, and of course, the ITT European Title, which was a perfect way to bring to a conclusion my time in the category. I should also include my stage win at the Giro Next Gen and day spent in the pink jersey, because it was a big achievement. It was also a confirmation that the hard work paid off and a confidence-boost to make the step to the World Tour.”

One step at a time

“The two training camps in Calpe were great and made me feel welcomed into the team straight away. I could see immediately why this squad is seen as a big family. Now I’m very excited to start my season in Spain, it’s something for which I worked hard all these years and I am determined to show my potential. It would be nice to get some results this year, but for the beginning, I will just take it one step at a time and see where this takes me.”

“I see myself mainly as a time trial rider, but I want to become a strong all-rounder. I love hard races and tough courses, and I would like to become better there and also help the team whenever they need me, regardless of the situation. Being in the World Tour will be completely different than anything I’ve ever experienced so far, I know that, and that’s why for my first pro season I want to build a solid foundation and learn as much as possible from the experienced guys on the team. I am keen on finding my place in the peloton before thinking of winning races, but I know that in this environment, the good results will eventually come.”

Photo credit: ©Wout Beel

                      ©Cédric Depraetere