This Saturday 19th of April, Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz achieved a prestigious podium in the U23 edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, thanks to Simone Gualdi finishing third in the streets of Blégny.
The 20-year-old Italian rider distinguished himself among the favorites in this U23 version of La Doyenne, which featured several legendary climbs such as La Redoute, Wanne, Stockeu, and La Vecquée. With a group of six riders from thirty kilometers to the finish, he managed to join the lead of the race ten kilometers later and participate in the tactical final for the victory.
At the end of the 174 kilometer race, Simone Gualdi finished third, eight seconds behind Jarno Widar, who escaped under the red flag. A future rider for World Team Intermarché-Wanty, Gualdi offers a new benchmark result in this event for the team directed by Kévin van Melsen, two years after the success of his compatriot Francesco Busatto, and continues his strong start to the season after a podium finish in the Tour des 100 Communes and several top placings with the professionals.
“We expected a hard race from Lotto Devo, so we were prepared when they accelerated on the first climb after 64 kilometer. On the Stockeu the peloton was already split in five parts and on La Redoute the favourites attacked. I followed the first group behind Jarno Widar and thanks to a good cooperation we managed to catch him. I was feeling good and I had confidence in my sprint, so I neutralised several attacks in the final. But when Jarno Widar made the decisive move, I didn’t have the speed. He deserved the victory, and although I was disappointed after the finish, I know I can be happy with this result. Intermarché-Wanty gives me a lot of opportunities and the chance to gain experience alongside the World Tour riders. Having signed a pro contract already, I can prepare my big goals Giro Next Gen, the Italian championships and races with the national team in a serene way.”
"This third place at Liège-Bastogne-Liège U23 confirms the progress made by Simone Gualdi since his arrival in our structure. His maturity, despite his young age, is what impresses me the most. We will continue to prepare him in the best conditions for his transition to the World Team next year. From a collective point of view, I am very satisfied with the high level shown by our young Wanty-NIPPO-ReUz riders since the beginning of the season. We have been at the forefront in every race. Our most experienced riders meet the expectations, while our youngest members can progress in their shadow. Victor Hannes and Zeno Moonen have already triumphed, with Halvor Dolven we raced for the podium at Paris-Roubaix U23 last Sunday, and Elmar Abma, Tobias Müller, and Maxence Place have also achieved excellent results. They have shown that they have the ability to step up a level, just like Simone Gualdi. But what makes me particularly proud is the cohesion of our group and the willingness to fight for each other. After this Liège-Bastogne-Liège U23, there are still many important races to come, and there is no doubt that we will continue to show great things with this mindset."
