Soudal Quick-Step Devo’s rider became the first Brazilian to finish on the podium of the Italian race.
Henrique Bravo continued his remarkable second season in the U23 ranks by making it into the top three overall at the Giro Next Gen, one of cycling’s most important events for the sport’s rising stars, which came to a conclusion in L’Aquila after eight hard days of racing.
Founded in 1970 and formerly known as the Girobio, the race is a key milestone in the development of young riders, and this is evidenced by the presence of five former stage winners in our World Tour team’s ranks: Alberto Dainese, Gil Gelders, Ethan Hayter, Paul Magnier, and Jonathan Vervenne.
Bravo, who came into the race after winning Oberösterreich Rundfahrt at the beginning of June, put on display his strong climbing skills on the back-to-back uphill finishes of the race, Monte Livata and Piana delle Mele. The 20-year-old - third ahead of the last day - had enough of a buffer following these strong rides going into the L’Aquila individual time trial, where he put together a nice effort to seal this historic podium finish for Brazil at the 49th edition of the Giro Next Gen.
I’m really happy with this result!
“I came here with this goal in mind, to fight for a top three, but I never imagined I could be so consistent, and I’m delighted I could defend my position on the last stage, which was a demanding one. I’m satisfied with what I did in the mountains. I also want to thank the team for their support and work, I’m really proud of them. It’s a dream to get this result and I hope to inspire more people from my country - which isn’t famous for cycling - to pick up the sport and show what they are capable of”, a smiling and emotional Henrique said after Sunday’s podium ceremony.
Photo credit: ©RCS Sports
