ProTeam Success in Catalonia: Lotto–Intermarché takes mountains and youth jerseys in stage 1

Dorian Godon, Remco Evenepoel, Tom Pidcock, Guillermo Thomas Silva… and Simone Gualdi. It’s an impressive list of names in which the young Italian is making his debut at the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya. The 20-year-old sprinted to a strong fifth place in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. “I already felt good at the start of the race,” he explained. “The plan was to focus on Mathieu Kockelmann, our sprinter. But the last 25 kilometres were constantly up and down. UAE controlled the race and pushed hard, which split the peloton. Through the radio I heard that Mathieu was no longer at the front and that I got the chance to sprint.”

Gualdi took that opportunity with both hands, securing fifth place and the youth jersey. “This week is my first real test at WorldTour level. I already rode the UAE Tour, but this feels different. The field here is stronger, the racing harder and more suited to me. I will try to defend the white jersey. Lenny Martinez is of course a strong rival, but it would be nice to wear white for two or three days.”

Baptiste Veistroffer also played a key role in animating the stage. He showcased his trademark attacking style by spending 156 kilometres in the breakaway. “The plan was: ‘No regrets, just try.’ And that’s exactly what I did. The wind and the course weren’t ideal for an early break, but I like being at the front. That allowed me to crest the two climbs first and take the mountains jersey.” Veistroffer also took home the combativity award.

Tomorrow, another hilly stage is on the programme in Catalonia, between Figueres and Banyoles.

Picture: PhotoNews