Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 6:05 PM
Gerben Thijssen’s start to the season is already going well. After winning a round in the Challenge Mallorca in January, the Intermarché-Wanty sprinter now scored in the Volta ao Algarve. Because he won the first stage, he can also wear the first leader’s jersey. “Two victories already and it’s only mid-February. That is incredible,” says Thijssen afterwards.
“Last year I didn’t have a good start to my season, so this period is very important for me,” he continues. “Especially at this level. I have worked very hard to be in this shape now, and my hard work is paying off.”
The opening stage in the Algarve was flat, but not easy. “The final was tough because of the headwind, and there was another one kick 2 kilometers from the finish. That was quite heavy. I knew that if I got up there in a good position, I could win,” said Thijssen. “We hope for more success this week. With Rune Herregodts we aim for the rankings. He has a good time trial. And on the third day we want to sprint again, but with this victory I already feel great.”
“The team also did a great job. I always had six men with me and the team controlled the course. That shows that the team has worked hard,” says Thijssen. “Someone like Vito Braet rode for me all day, which wasn’t easy for him, but he did it. So I really had to finish this. And it was Rex’s second lead-out, he’s one of the best at that. He knows what I want and we know each other well. For me it is also an honor that Mike Teunissen wants to work for me.”