Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team among the main protagonists in Italy.
Belgian ITT Champion Jonathan Vervenne added another achievement to what already is a remarkable season, taking home the KOM classification at the five-day Giro della Valle d’Aosta – arguably the toughest stage race on the U23 calendar.
The success of Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team’s 20-year-old was built on his presence in the breakaway on two of the competition’s five stages, racking up valuable points some of the hardest climbs of the week – such as Verrogne, Les Places, Fabiole or Col d’Arlaz – en route to becoming the first Belgian in more than a decade to win the prestigious jersey.
“Everybody knows that the Giro della Valle d’Aosta is one of the most difficult races of the year, so Jonathan’s result makes us very proud. He showed good legs on the second stage, when he moved to the top of the classification, and despite losing the jersey the next day, he showed a lot of determination by going again on the attack on the fourth stage, scoring some important points on the climbs to secure his position. It’s a top performance and we couldn’t be happier”, said sports director Kevin Hulsmans.
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
