ProTeam Simone Gualdi finishes Volta a Catalunya with another top-10 result, Baptiste Veistroffer awarded Super Combativity

It would be an understatement to say that Lotto-Intermarché made its mark this week. Toon Aerts sprinted to fourth place, Baptiste Veistroffer spent long stretches in the breakaway, as did Liam Slock. Simone Gualdi wore the best young rider’s jersey for two days after finishing fifth in stage 1 and added another top-10 result today. “I have to admit I’m a bit disappointed with that eighth place today,” he said. “There was more in it. The finale was really hectic. With 500 metres to go, things split up and I lost speed, so I ultimately had to settle for eighth place.”

Gualdi, still only 20, is nevertheless pleased with his Volta a Catalunya. “I finished in the top ten twice in a high-level WorldTour race. And overall, as a team, we were always present. We knew those two mountain stages would be tough. We didn’t have anyone targeting the general classification, but if you look at all the other stages… we showed ourselves. That gives confidence for what’s to come.”

Baptiste Veistroffer- as could be expected- claimed the Super Combativity award in Catalunya. He spent more than 450 kilometres in the breakaway over the past week and was also able to wear the mountains jersey for several days. “I definitely don’t regret it,” he said. “Those real mountain stages were about survival, especially considering the level at the start. But within my abilities, I gave everything for the team.”

Picture: PhotoNews