Ninth victory of the season for our impressive feeder squad.
Henrique Bravo continued to shine in the Soudal Quick-Step Devo jersey as he became the first South American rider in twelve years to win a stage at the Giro della Valle d’Aosta, one of the most prestigious and demanding races on the U23 scene.
The Brazilian came at the start of this 62nd edition after finishing third at the Giro Next Gen and started the 10.5km opening stage - an uphill individual time trial to Passy Plaine-Joux - as one of the favorites. Henrique lived up to the expectations, producing another impressive display on the steep slopes of this ascent whose maximum gradient reached 9.7%, which saw him stop the clock in 25:25 and take the victory by one second.
It was the sixth success of the season for the 20-year-old, who will wear the yellow jersey on Friday’s second stage to Forte di Bard, which is set to feature four classified climbs and an elevation gain of more than 3000 meters.
I’m really happy with this result.
- Henrique Bravo -
“I had a good feeling and strong legs from the beginning and could keep a strong tempo the entire time. It was for the first time in my career that I raced a mountain ITT and I am delighted that I took not just the win, but also the beautiful yellow jersey, which we’ll now try to defend. Giro della Valle d’Aosta is a special race for a number of reasons, and I want to dedicate this victory to Samuele Privitera, who passed away here one year ago”, an emotional Henrique said after the podium ceremony.
Photo credit: ©Giro della Valle d'Aosta
