Thomas De Gendt on Volta a Catalunya solo win: ‘I didn’t really believe I could do it’

The Belgian breakaway specialist rode along for 60km to take victory

Thomas De Gendt on his way to victory on stage one of the Volta a Catalunya (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Thomas De Gendt said he “didn’t really believe he could win” after he attacked alone 60km from the finish of stage one of the Volta a Catalunya.

The Lotto-Soudal rider joined the day’s six-man breakaway in the hopes the escapees could hold off the peloton, but opted to drop his companions a long way from home.

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Alex Ballinger

Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers.  Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.