Quickstep and Gaviria dominate early stages of Guangxi

The Tour of Guangxi is in its first year of operation and has got off to an auspicious start, attracting a stellar field, sizeable crowds and a high level of racing.

Fernando Gaviria won stage 1 of the Tour of Guangxi (Tim de Waele/Quickstep) Source: Tim de Waele/Quickstep

The first three stages saw Colombian sprint sensation Fernando Gaviria (Quickstep Floors) take out a trio of sprint victories, beating out an impressive line-up of fast men including fellow young guns Dylan Groenewegen (Lotto NL-Jumbo) and Max Wahlscheid (Team Sunweb).

With the third win Quickstep Floors took their 55th win of the season, with Gaviria understandably proud of his part in the team's success. 

"I love this team, it's my second family and I'm really proud to be part of the Wolfpack and live so many great moments with them," said Gaviria.

Quickstep management echoed the sentiment, after an impressive season that was kicked off with a win in one of the first events of the year, a victory for Jack Bauer in the New Zealand national Championships. Some ten months later and Quickstep are still going strong.

Team manager Rik van Slycke gave his thoughts on the success of Gaviria in China.

"We are delighted to see that ten months into the season, the guys are still focused and motivated to win, giving it their all every day.

"Three stages and three victories, that's a great feat, which underlines the fantastic quality of this team. We have the leader's jersey and Fernando is in good form, but tomorrow a stern test awaits and we'll see if he can overcome it.

"If he doesn't concede too much ground, then he'll be in with a shot at the GC. But we'll find out more on the road tomorrow, when we'll have several cards to play on the uphill finish to Mashan Nongla."

The race continues in Guangxi until Tuesday, with the decisive stages still to come.