Key Takeaways:
– Jordi Meeus secures his first official win of the 2025 season at Stage 3 of the Volta ao Algarve.
– Meeus’s Stage 1 victory was nullified after the peloton took a wrong turn.
– He triumphed in Tavira, outshining top sprinters like Wout van Aert.
– Meeus credits teamwork and perfect timing for his success.
– He plans to race in Omloop Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne next.
A True Triumph for Jordi Meeus
Excitement was in the air as Jordi Meeus claimed his first official win of the 2025 season at Stage 3 of the Volta ao Algarve. Just 48 hours earlier, Meeus thought he’d won Stage 1, only to find out the race had been called off after most riders took a wrong turn. But in Tavira, he made sure there was no doubt.
The finish in Tavira was slightly uphill, and Meeus, riding for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, timed his sprint perfectly. He followed Casper van Uden’s early move, then accelerated to cross the line first. “I’m happy there was a real finish line this time,” Meeus said with a smile.
The Finish That Changed Everything
Meeus had Londres on his mind after Stage 1’s confusion. “It was frustrating, but I knew I had the speed,” he explained. Stage 3 proved him right. The slightly uphill finish suited him, and he used the last corner to his advantage.
With a kilometer to go, Meeus was a bit far back but managed to move up. Following Van Uden’s wheel, he timed his sprint impeccably. “It all came down to timing,” he said.
After the race, Meeus made it clear that this was his first official win of the season. Though he could have had two, he’s just glad for the one. “I’m really happy with it,” he added.
Teamwork Pays Off
Meeus’s success wasn’t just his own doing. His team, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, played a crucial role. The team split their efforts between Meeus and GC contender Primoš Roglič. Meeus praised the teamwork, saying, “The two groups work well together. We stayed in front for Primož until three kilometers to the finish, then the sprinters took over.”
Meeus might not be a frequent winner, but he’s had big victories, like his 2023 Tour de France stage win on the Champs Elysées. This win, however, is a major confidence boost. “It’s an extra motivation,” he admitted.
Looking Ahead
Next up for Meeus is the Omloop Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, followed by an altitude training camp. His sights are set on the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. But before that, there’s still Saturday’s Stage 4 in Faro, another likely sprint finish. Meeus might just add another win to his Algarve tally.
The future looks bright for this young sprinter. With his speed, teamwork, and determination, Jordi Meeus is definitely one to watch this season.
Stay tuned for more updates on Jordi Meeus and the Volta ao Algarve!