Dramatic Finish Sees British Teen Triumph in Catalan Classic

In a stunning display of raw talent and determination, 19-year-old British cyclist Matthew Brennan (Team Visma-Lease a Bike) claimed his first World Tour victory with a breathtaking last-meter sprint to win Stage 1 of the 2025 Volta a Catalunya.

The Race Decider

The 178.3km stage from Sant Feliu de Guixols concluded with a heart-stopping uphill finish in challenging wet conditions. Brennan executed a perfectly timed attack in the final 200 meters, overtaking breakaway leader Tibor del Grosso (Alpecin-Deceuninck) in the closing strides to take the victory by barely half a wheel length.

"I saw Del Grosso going and knew I had to respond immediately," Brennan said post-race. "The finish was steeper than I expected but I just kept pushing until the line."

Sprint Showdown

The young Briton also held off world-class sprinter Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) who finished second, with Del Grosso completing the podium in third. All top ten riders were credited with the same time of 4:25:17 after an intense battle in the final kilometers.

Rising Star's Impressive Streak

This victory marks Brennan's: sticks to - Fourth consecutive race win

• Second professional victory after his breakthrough at GP de Denain
• First World Tour stage success

Stage 1 Results (Top 10)

Looking Ahead

The race continues with Stage 2 from Banyoles to Figueres (177.3km), with Brennan now wearing the leader's jersey as the peloton heads towards Sunday's finale in Barcelona.

The cycling world will be watching closely to see if this young phenom can maintain his spectacular early-season form against the world's best.