A memorable day for the young Belgian and our feeder team in Italy.
Jonathan Vervenne powered to the biggest victory of his career on the international scene, holding off the peloton after an entire day in the breakaway and moving into the prestigious Giro Next Gen pink jersey.
A two-time winner of the National ITT Championships, the 22-year-old attacked as soon as the flag was waved, and was quickly joined by Ilian Alexandre Barhoumi (Decathlon AG2R Development), together with whom he took their advantage to a maximum of three minutes. Behind, the peloton – led by the overall leader’s team – tried to keep the gap in check and reduce it on the hilly roads to Cantù, where the stage was supposed to conclude.
The decisive moment of the day came with 60 kilometers to go, when the leaders entered a roundabout, where Barhoumi went the wrong way, leaving Vervenne alone at the front. As soon as this happened, the Belgian entered into time trial mode, pushing hard while tucked over the bars to save watts and keep speed ahead of a bunch that was gradually increasing the tempo. On the local circuit, Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team’s rider carried a 1:30 gap that began alarming the chasers, who despite their efforts, couldn’t catch the Belgian.
Jonathan arrived at the finish half a minute clear of the chasers after a massive 140 kilometers in the break, capping off his incredible ride by taking a huge victory and the maglia rosa, as well as the points jersey, which rounded out a perfect day for him and our feeder squad.
“I’m very happy after this fantastic day! The stage win wasn’t on my mind when we went away today, it was only in the last five kilometers that I began dreaming of the victory. I was disappointed after Sunday’s time trial, although I know that short efforts don’t really suit me. When I remained alone at the front it was still a long way to go to the finish, but I felt good and continued believing, so I kept a steady and hard pace. It was very hot today, but I remained hydrated and used ice packs that I got from the team car.”
“I am proud to have the maglia rosa, it means a lot to wear it and I will try to enjoy it as much as possible on Tuesday. It’s a beautiful start to the race for our team and we’ll try again in the coming stages to get some more nice results”, said Jonathan after signing off Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team’s fourth stage victory in three years at Giro Next Gen.
Photo credit: ©La Presse
