ProTeam Success in Catalonia: Lotto–Intermarché takes mountains and youth jerseys in stage 1
# Lotto–Intermarché Triumphs in Stage 1 of Volta Ciclista a Catalunya
As the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya kicks off, Lotto–Intermarché has already made a significant impact, clinching both the mountains and youth jerseys in the opening stage. Among the standout performers was 20-year-old Italian cyclist Simone Gualdi, who marked his debut in the race with an impressive fifth-place finish in Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
“I already felt good at the start of the race,” Gualdi shared, recounting the intensity of the stage. “The plan was to focus on Mathieu Kockelmann, our sprinter. But the last 25 kilometres were constantly up and down. UAE controlled the race and pushed hard, which split the peloton. Through the radio, I heard that Mathieu was no longer at the front and that I got the chance to sprint.”
Seizing that opportunity, Gualdi not only secured fifth place but also the coveted youth jersey, highlighting his determination and skill. “This week is my first real test at WorldTour level. I already rode the UAE Tour, but this feels different. The field here is stronger, the racing harder and more suited to me. I will try to defend the white jersey. Lenny Martinez is of course a strong rival, but it would be nice to wear white for two or three days,” he noted.
Another key player in the stage was Baptiste Veistroffer, who continued to embody his signature attacking style throughout the event. He spent an impressive 156 kilometres in the breakaway, stating, “The plan was: ‘No regrets, just try.’ And that’s exactly what I did. The wind and the course weren’t ideal for an early break, but I like being at the front. That allowed me to crest the two climbs first and take the mountains jersey.” Veistroffer’s efforts also earned him the combativity award.
With another challenging hilly stage on the horizon, scheduled between Figueres and Banyoles, Lotto–Intermarché is sure to build on this momentum as the competition intensifies in Catalonia.
