What a week for Jens Verbrugghe! After sprinting to the win on the opening day of Volta ao Alentejo, the 21-year-old Belgian wrapped up the five-day race with another victory for the NSN Development Team.
Verbrugghe found himself sprinting for the win from the breakaway of the day, after stellar teamwork from Ben Morin helped the group stay away.
“Normally the plan was for me to wait for a bunch sprint at the end, but it was a bit crazy with some wind, some echelons, and some big breakaways going,” said Verbrugghe. “After about 30km, I tried to follow one move. We were around 15 riders, and it was a breakaway that went all the way to the finish.
“I had Ben with me, which was perfect, because he could do some bigger pulls and I could take it a bit easier. In the last 10km, the bunch came really close so I said to Ben it would be great if he could ride at the front to make sure the bunch didn’t come back. And that’s what he did. He did an amazing job to keep the gap we had so we could sprint for the victory. I had some fresher legs, and I could hold it to the line. It was close, but in the end, a win is a win, so I’m really happy.”
Sports Director Ruben Plaza praised the team’s persistence on what was a fast and furious day of racing.
“We planned to go for the sprint again with Jens, while also keeping our options open for the breakaway with the expected crosswinds and tailwind towards the finish,” explained Plaza. “The stage was really fast and nonstop from the start. Ben and Jens made it into the breakaway which turned out to be the key move. The team did a very solid job once again, especially Ben from the break and Jens finishing it off perfectly to take his second stage win here. It was a great job by everyone and a really nice way to close the race.”
With two wins in five days to his name, Verbrugghe puts his success down to renewed confidence in himself.
“For sure, it’s the confidence,” adds Verbrugghe. “The last couple of years were not really easy, with some really tough periods. Winning the first stage was a big boost, and I could finally trust myself again. The team also had a lot of confidence in me today, and I wanted to prove that the first win wasn’t just luck – that I could do it again. I think I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been, and that shows with some nice results. Two wins in five days, it’s just amazing.”