The fiftieth edition of the Circuit des Ardennes came to a thrilling conclusion, with Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development leaving an indelible mark on the event. The team's standout performance throughout the stages was highlighted by Tijmen Graat's third-place finish in the overall classification, securing a podium position and spearheading the team's receipt of the prestigious best team award.
Challenging Final Stage Culminates in Strategic Success
The race's climax on the fourth stage featured short but explosive climbs that tested the riders' mettle. Matthew Brennan, a key member of the team, was notably absent from the starting lineup of the final stage due to fitness concerns, putting additional pressure on the remaining team members to rise to the occasion. The team's primary objective was to safeguard Graat's position in the overall standings, a task that Jed Smithson, Morten Nørtoft, and Tom Schellekens took on with commendable determination and skill. Their efforts paid dividends, with Graat crossing the finish line in eighth place in the stage, effectively securing his third-place standing overall.
Graat Reflects on Podium Finish and Team Dynamics
Graat shared his thoughts on securing third place, expressing satisfaction with his performance while humbly acknowledging the superior strength of two competitors. The Circuit des Ardennes presented Graat with the type of challenge he relishes, particularly the stage featuring longer climbs which saw him break away from the peloton. This race marked his debut for the Development Team this season, carefully chosen to push his limits and hone his skills in positioning, cornering, and climbing. Graat emphasized his appreciation for the opportunity to pursue his personal ambitions within the race, adding a layer of fulfillment to his podium finish.
The Team's Strategic Mastery and Collective Triumph
From the outset, Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development was intent on making a significant impact in every stage of the race. The culmination of their efforts was evident in the final stage, where a meticulous strategy was executed to perfection to ensure Graat's position was defended successfully. Tom Schellekens, in particular, received praise for his pivotal role during the last leg of the race. Not only did he fend off multiple attacks, but he also achieved a commendable fourth-place finish. The collective strength and strategic acumen of the team were key factors in their achievement of the team classification victory, a testament to their solidarity and competitive spirit.
Voices From the Team: Insights and Accolades
In reflecting on the race, Graat commented, "I can be satisfied with this. Of course, you hope for more and do everything you can to move up another place, but unfortunately, this was it. Two men were simply stronger." His preference for longer climbs was evident, as he mentioned, "I ESPECIALLY LIKE THE LONGER CLIMBS," explaining further, "We chose this race to challenge me. Here I learn to position, ride better corners, and climb better. Besides, I really liked going for my own chance."
Sierk-Jan de Haan, echoing the sentiments of perseverance and teamwork, stated, "The goal was to finish as good as possible in every stage and that worked out well. The boys did a great race." He provided insight into the team's strategy during the final stage: "Today we did everything we could to secure Tijmen's third place. We knew it was going to be difficult because Tijmen specializes more in longer climbs. This was a course where you had to accelerate a lot. The guys kept a constant eye on Tijmen so he was well positioned going into the final circuit. Tom played a nice role in the final by not only countering several attacks but also finishing fourth. As a team, we were very strong and it's fantastic that it was rewarded with the team classification."
The Circuit des Ardennes was a showcase of determination, skill, and teamwork for Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development. With a podium finish and the best team award under their belt, the team has set a high standard for future races, underlining their status as formidable contenders in the cycling world.
