Catalunya win "something I would have never dreamed of" for neo-pro Ethan Vernon

In his neo-pro season, Ethan Vernon was quick to show his worth within the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team as he took his first pro win at the Volta a Catalunya today. The British sprinter took advantage of a chaotic sprint to overcome Phil Bauhaus at the line.

“I had the confidence in myself and knew I had the legs after stage 2, because I wasn’t that far off there despite making some mistakes. It was a fast stage today, with the GC riders splitting the field as they went for the intermediate sprint, but I managed to hang in there with the help of my team. This wouldn’t have been possible without them," Vernon said after the finish.

After being given the leading role in the sprints this week in Spain, Vernon finished fourth on the second stage showing potential when it came to the flat finishes. He was an outsider for today's finish in Vilanova i la Geltrú, however as pre-stage favourites Phil Bauhaus and Kaden Groves struggled with positioning at the end, Vernon was in the right spot to take the win.

“Coming into the season, I thought that a win in the second part of the year would be great, so that’s why doing it just three months since turning pro is brilliant, something I would have never dreamed of," he added. The final two stages of the race won't be to his liking, however he'll be back likely at the Circuit Cycliste Sarthe - Pays de la Loire where he may have another chance to take a strong result.

"I knew there was headwind at the finish, but I could maintain the speed despite opening up early and at 50 meters to go I began believing. To take my first pro victory with Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl, and on World Tour level of all the places, is unbelievable," he concluded.