Henrique Bravo became the first South American rider to finish Okolo Slovenska in the top three overall on the back of a superb ride on the tough fifth stage, which brought this 70th edition to a conclusion. It was the most impressive result of the season for the 20-year-old, who finished ahead of many seasoned World Tour riders.
To be second here and take the best young rider jersey is amazing, something I wouldn’t have dreamed about at the start of the race.
“Of course, I came with confidence here and with the goal of doing a good general classification, but to be on the podium not that far from yellow is something that brings me a lot of joy and motivation to keep becoming better”, Henrique said right after the stage.
It was a fast and lively final stage in Slovakia, where a massive group – featuring four Soudal Quick-Step riders – took off soon after the start. Even after they were brought back, our team remained in the spotlight, as Cériel Desal and Warre Vangheluwe formed a strong two-man breakaway which remained at the front until the opening slopes of the brutal Kral’ova hol’a climb (12.6km, 8.7%).
Attacks came early there, and Henrique responded with ease to these, making sure he was all the time in the right place. With each kilometer gone, the front group got whittled down more, but the Brazilian stayed there, calm and composed, and rode under the flamme rouge together with the yellow jersey. Despite not matching the acceleration of Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto Intermarche) in the closing meters, Bravo held onto second place, which elevated him nine positions in the overall standings.
It was fast right from the start today.
“After the break was caught, we continued with two riders and this put pressure on the others to chase. The team helped me on the climb and made sure to put me in a good position. A selection was made and I responded to those attacks. Then, in the final kilometer, I tried to go, but missed just a bit and in the end I took second. It’s a week I can be proud of, and I want to thank the entire team for their support”, added Henrique, who won the best young rider classification.
The South American wasn’t the only Soudal Quick-Step rider on the podium at the end of the final day. Winner of two stages, Paul Magnier secured the green jersey for the second consecutive year, a first for a non-Slovak rider here.
We can be satisfied with our Okolo Slovenska.
“I’m happy with these two victories that have put me into double digits in the win ranking this year and with taking home the points classification again. It’s a nice boost ahead of next week’s CRO Race. Congrats also to Henrique, he showed his talent here and earned a well-deserved top three finish”, Paul said after the podium ceremony, where Warre Vangheluwe was named most combative rider of the stage.