Grand Prix Criquielion: Alessandro Borgo surprises the bunch to take debut pro win

Alessandro Borgo, a 21-year-old rider for Bahrain Victorious, secured a remarkable victory at the Grand Prix Criquielion, marking his first professional win. The 205-kilometre Belgian one-day race concluded with a late four-rider breakaway that managed to hold off the chasing peloton by a mere five seconds. Borgo crossed the line ahead of Fred Wright (Pinarello-Q36.5), Pierre Thierry (TotalEnergies), and Gabriele Bessega (Polti-VisitMalta), defying expectations in a race that challenged the sprinters and the main field alike. The race took place over five laps of a circuit featuring several demanding climbs, including the Côte du Mond and the steeper Côte de Hurdumont, as well as a cobbled section on la Rue la Blanche. Early on, a breakaway group formed after more than 100 kilometres, consisting of Gerben Kuypers, Max van der Meulen, Morten Aalling Noertoft, and Sebastian Kolze Changizi. Despite the peloton maintaining a brisk average speed of 42.5 km/h, the decisive move came just 15 kilometres from the finish, when the four riders in the winning breakaway surged clear. Borgo’s triumph was a surprise to many, given his relative inexperience at the professional level and the strength of the chasing group behind. His ability to hold off the peloton in the closing stages underlines his potential as a rising talent in the sport. Fred Wright’s second place and Pierre Thierry’s podium finish also highlighted the competitive nature of the race, with sprinters and classics specialists alike left frustrated by the late escape. The victory at the Grand Prix Criquielion could serve as a significant stepping stone for Borgo’s career, signalling his readiness to compete at the highest level in tough one-day races. For Bahrain Victorious, the result adds to their growing reputation for nurturing young talent capable of winning in diverse race conditions. As the season progresses, Borgo’s performance will be one to watch, particularly in similar hilly classics and circuit races.