AG Insurance – Soudal Quick-Step takes the spoils on its first European race of the season.
Justine Ghekiere took her first pro victory at the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana after a breathtaking last day of racing. Justine was part of a three-rider move and later in the stage she broke clear together with Elise Uijen (Team DSM), with whom she arrived at the finish, concluding runner-up in Gandia. But that didn’t matter, because the bonifications scored on the line together with the 16-second gap over the chasers propelled the young Belgian to the top of the general classification.
“I just don’t know what to say. I have no words and don’t really realize what happened. I wanted to go for that polka dot jersey, but once I had a gap, I kept on going, as it was all or nothing. On the last climb, I was there together with Gaia and Elise, then we accelerated and we continued in two. I was already happy with the mountain classification, so when I heard that the GC was mine, I couldn’t believe it. I am so proud of this win and of being part of this team”, a stunned Justine said after her victory.
AG Insurance – Soudal Quick-Step’s perfect day was rounded out by stage 2 winner Ashleig Moolman-Pasio, who finished second on the overall standings, just behind her teammate: “I am very happy for Justine and for the team’s victory. It’s an incredible start to the season! We are so united and so strong together. I am sure many other great moments will come.”
Photo credit: ©Bastien Gason