Soudal Quick-Step Devo enjoys a perfect day at the Italian race.
Jasper Schoofs powered to our squad’s fifth victory in four participations at the Giro Next Gen, at the end of Tuesday’s 166km stage 3, which travelled from Sibari to Villa d’Agri di Marsicovetere. It was the first success of the season for the 20-year-old Belgian, and his biggest since joining our feeder team ahead of 2025.
Part of a four-man breakaway that took shape in the opening kilometers of the race, Jasper was also the strongest there, as evidenced by his long stints at the front, including on the final climb, where he took valuable bonifications. Their lead over the peloton was at that point of just 20-30 seconds, but the group somehow managed to hold off the chasers for the smallest of margins. Under the flamme rouge, the escapees could feel the bunch breathing down their neck, which didn’t stop our rider from putting in one last big effort before entering the last corner in second wheel.
Silver medalist at the U23 ITT National Championships in May, Schoofs launched his sprint with more than 200 meters to go and had enough left to keep the speed and fend off the challenge of his former breakaway companions to take Belgium’s 14th victory at the Giro Next Gen this century.
I think I never felt as strong as today.
“This morning we all had a chance to do our race, so I went in the breakaway. We were only four riders but we made a deal to stay together, as it was the only possibility we had to win. It wasn’t easy against the peloton, but we were committed to our goal and worked really well out there. The sprint was fast, but I took the right wheel and just kept going until the line.”
The win and the bonification seconds he picked up during the stage and at the finish propelled Jasper in the iconic maglia rosa, an achievement he will never forget: “Right now, I want to enjoy this moment, the best of my young career so far. Having also the pink jersey feels like a real dream. I dedicate it to my idol, Tom Steels. We spoke Monday morning and he gave me extra motivation. It’s a great day for our team and it only motivates us to go for more good results here.”
Photo credit: ©RCS Sports
