Matthew Brennan's victory was his fourth in as many races

Britain’s Brennan, 19, Wins Volta a Catalunya Stage One

Teen Sensation Matthew Brennan Stuns the Field in Catalunya

British cycling has a new rising star, and his name is Matthew Brennan. The 19-year-old Visma-Lease a Bike rider delivered a breathtaking performance to claim his first-ever World Tour victory on stage one of the Volta a Catalunya.

In a thrilling uphill sprint finish under wet and challenging conditions in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Brennan timed his attack to perfection, surging ahead just a meter before the finish line to snatch victory from his rivals.

“I honestly can’t believe it,” said Brennan after crossing the line. “It was all about patience and making the right move at the right time. I just went for it, and it worked out.”

Brennan’s explosive late surge denied Alpecin-Deceuninck’s Tibor del Grosso, who had launched a long-range solo attack and seemed destined for victory before the young Brit reeled him in with a perfectly timed sprint. Sprint star Kaden Groves, also from Alpecin-Deceuninck, pushed hard to overtake Brennan but ultimately had to settle for second place in a dramatic finish.

A Winning Streak That Keeps Growing

Volta a Catalunya: Matthew Brennan produces stunning sprint to snatch stage 1 victory on the line from late attacker |

This victory wasn’t just a one-off success for Brennan—it marked his fourth consecutive win. He had already claimed two victories racing for Visma’s development squad, before announcing himself on the professional stage with a breakthrough win at the GP de Denain.

Now, with a World Tour stage win to his name, Brennan is rapidly proving himself as one of the most exciting young talents in cycling.

His stage one victory means he also takes the overall lead in the Volta a Catalunya, setting himself up for what could be an unforgettable week of racing.

A Tough Battle in Catalunya’s Opening Stage

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The 178.3km stage from Sant Feliu de Guíxols was a demanding test, with unpredictable weather and an explosive finale that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The race saw several early breakaway attempts, but none could stick as the peloton controlled the pace leading into the final climb. With Tibor del Grosso making a decisive attack inside the last kilometer, it looked like he had done enough to secure the win.

But as the finish line approached, Brennan produced an electrifying turn of speed, leaving both del Grosso and Groves trailing in his wake to claim a stunning victory.

Stage One Results: Brennan Takes the Glory

Matthew Brennan (GB/Team Visma-Lease a Bike) – 4hrs 25mins 17secs
Kaden Groves (Aus/Alpecin-Deceuninck) – Same time
Tibor del Grosso (Ned/Alpecin-Deceuninck) – Same time
Dorian Godon (Fra/Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) – Same time
Andrea Vendrame (Ita/Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) – Same time
Corbin Strong (NZ/Israel-Premier Tech) – Same time
Edward Planckaert (Bel/Alpecin-Deceuninck) – Same time
Mikel Landa (Esp/Soudal-Quick Step) – Same time
Lennert van Eetvelt (Bel/Lotto) – Same time
Laurens de Plus (Bel/Ineos Grenadiers) – Same time

What’s Next in the Volta a Catalunya?

With the leader’s jersey now on his shoulders, Brennan will head into stage two with renewed confidence. The next stage takes the riders on a 177.3km journey from Banyoles to Figueres, featuring rolling terrain that could favor another aggressive finish.

The seven-stage race will culminate in Barcelona on Sunday, and if Brennan’s form and determination are anything to go by, he could well be a contender for more stage victories before the race is over.

Final Thoughts

Matthew Brennan’s meteoric rise is a reminder of how unpredictable and thrilling professional cycling can be. His stage one heroics at the Volta a Catalunya have officially put him on the map as one of the sport’s most exciting young talents.

With the race still wide open, all eyes will be on the British sensation to see if he can maintain his momentum and add to his growing list of achievements.

One thing is for sure—this is just the beginning for Matthew Brennan.