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Niels Driesen wins stage 2 of the Giro Valle d'Aosta

Niels Driesen claimed victory in Stage 2 of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta-Mont Blanc. The Belgian prevailed from a reduced lead group that included race leader Henrique Bravo. "When I saw Bravo and Ramirez coming back, I thought it was over. But apparently I still had enough left in the legs to squeeze out the win," said a delighted Driesen.
Race 17 July 2026
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After winning both a stage and the overall classification at the Ronde de l'Isard earlier this season, Driesen has now added another stage victory in one of the most prestigious U23 stage races to his résumé. The Giro Valle d'Aosta is widely regarded as one of the toughest races for U23 riders and one of the most important climbing races in the category. Driesen took victory today on the second stage, from Hône to Forte di Bard, after spending the day in the breakaway. "That wasn't really the plan," he explained. "At the same time, I knew it would become dangerous if a big group got away. At one point, the descent was ridden at a really high pace and a gap opened to the rest. I managed to stay with it, and that's how around fifteen of us got clear."

The breakaway worked well together and managed to stay away. "Still, I wasn't completely confident. I've struggled with some back pain over the past couple of weeks and I was worried it would come back on the climbs. Fortunately, that wasn't the case today. I felt good and on the next climb we got away with four or five riders. I knew I just had to keep pushing to stay out front together with the yellow jersey."

Despite all that hard work, Driesen no longer expected to fight for victory. "My legs were really starting to empty towards the finish. Especially when I saw Henrique Bravo and Mateo Ramirez coming back from behind, I thought it was over. But in the final 200 metres I somehow managed to squeeze out one last effort, and that earned me this great victory. I'm obviously very happy with it."

 

Picture: GVDA