United Arab Emirates -  March 29, 2021:  After a day long escape, Matteo Trentin put in a stellar performance at Gent-Wevelgem to take third place and claim his first podium in a major classic. The Italian was beaten in the final sprint only by Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) and second place Giacomo Nizzolo (Team Qhubeka ASSOS).

 

The 248 km course was marked by wind which caused an elite group of 20riders to go clear early.

Sven Erik Bystrøm and Trentin infiltrated the group before Trentin took flight on the Kemmelberg with a group of 7 in what proved to be the race winning move.

 

The final was decided in a sprint with the former European Champion from UAE Team Emirates claiming third place.

 

Trentin: “The race was very good but tough. Together with the other guys in front we worked well pushing hard and making sure to not allow the pursuers to close the gap. The third place in the sprint always leaves a bit of a bitter taste in the mouth, I would have liked to win, but getting on the podium together with the strongest is still a good result ”.

 

Gent -Wevelgem results :

1.Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) 5h45’11 ”

2.Giacomo Nizzolo (Team Qhubeka ASSOS) s.t.

3. Matteo Trentin (UAE Team Emirates) s.t.

 

The Volta a Catalunya also concluded, with a final stage in Barcelona.

In the last stage, new signing Marc Hirschi, in his first race of the season, finished the week with a solid 7th place , with McNulty 13th in the General Classification and David de la Cruz on the podium as the best Catalan rider.

 

Results 7th stage Volta a Catalunya:

1.Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) 3h06’10 ”

2.Matej Mohorić (Baharan – Victorius) +22 ”

3.Attila Valter (Groupama – FDJ) +1’42 ”

7.Marc Hirschi (UAE Team Emirates) + 1’46 “

 

General classification Volta a Catalunya:

1.Adam Yates (INEOS Grenadiers) 26h16’41 ”

2.Richie Porte (INEOS Grenadiers) +45 ”

3.Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) +49 ”

13.Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) + 2’19 “