O Gran Camino

Soudal Quick-Step youngsters shined Saturday afternoon: less than two hours after Paul Magnier powered to a remarkable podium finish in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Viktor Soenens put in a convincing ride in the mountains on the penultimate stage of O Gran Camiño, moving to the top of the youth classification with one day to go.

The 19-year-old, who last year scored a total of nine top-ten places in the jersey of our Devo Team – including a win from a reduced bunch at the Grand Prix de Honnelles – climbed superbly on stage four, which featured the classified ascents of Alto Catroventos, Alto A Pitinidoira and Alto do Cebreiro and enjoyed a surge up the rankings. The important gains he made in the general classification – where he sat 11th after the individual time trial – will see Soenens start the final stage of the race in seventh place.

“The race was quite quiet until the climbing began. When they brought back the group at the front and the big attacks began flying, I just decided to ride my own pace. When I entered the final kilometer, I sprinted with the last resources of energy I had and I finished ninth, which made me happy. It’s crazy to race against guys who I know from the TV, and to be in the first ten and with the white jersey on my shoulders in such a hard race. On Sunday, I will try to give my best again, as it would be a dream to take the jersey home”, Viktor explained after the stage.

The young Belgian is joined in the top ten overall by his countryman Mauri Vansevenant. The 25-year-old went on the attack more than 30 kilometers from the finish together with a small group and continued to push even after remaining alone at the front, before being caught on the penultimate climb. For his effort, he was rewarded with the most combative rider prize.

Photo credit: ©Sprint Cycling