Nordhagen secures overall victory in Giro della Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia
Jørgen Nordhagen has succeeded in winning the general classification of the Giro della Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia. Nordhagen had seized power with a stage win on Friday and took home the overall victory the day after.
Prior to the final stage, Nordhagen, who will join the WorldTeam of Team Visma | Lease a Bike next year, had a two-second lead over Italian Giulio Pellizzari, who had come close to stage wins in the Giro d’Italia earlier this year. The final stage ended in a bunch sprint, allowing the 19-year-old Nordhagen to comfortably roll across the line in the peloton.
In addition to the overall victory, Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development also excelled in the youth, points, mountains, and team classifications of this UCI 2.2-level race. Menno Huising also finished seventh in the overall standings.
“We defended the leader’s jersey with great determination today,” says Nordhagen, who will move to the WorldTeam of Team Visma | Lease a Bike next year. “Although the stage ended in a bunch sprint, we had full control as a team during the nervous beginning. After that, it was important for me to focus on following the competition. Fortunately, that worked out well. This is my first overall victory in a stage race for Team Visma | Lease a Bike. It’s a very special feeling.”
"This is my first overall victory in a stage race for Team Visma | Lease a Bike"
Sports director Sierk Jan de Haan is proud of his team. “This is a stage race with a big reputation. We made history by winning all the classifications here. We raced with a strong group, who drew energy from each other. As a staff, we enjoyed the team's strength, Jørgen’s talent, and the joy radiating from the boys. These are moments that make it all worth it as a staff. Hard work is sometimes rewarded with such beautiful victories. We had four magnificent days.”