"He might have been able to go with the stronger riders" - Bas Tietema rues Victor Lafay absence at Amstel Gold Race

The Unibet Rose Rockets once again became one of the talking points of the Amstel Gold Race, thanks to their trademark attacking style and the atmosphere created by their now-famous supporters’ corner on the roadside. While the team lacked a genuine contender for the biggest result, Bas Tietema still had plenty of reasons to leave Limburg satisfied.

Results alone may not fully reflect their performance. With Abram Stockman represented in the early breakaway, the Rockets were visible throughout the race. Later in the finale, Jelle Johannink, Lander Loockx and Adam Toupalik were still present in the third chasing group.

That eventually translated into 34th and 35th places rather than a headline result, but Tietema preferred to focus on the bigger picture afterwards.

“We try to do the best possible job in every race, but we also have to be realistic. We have focused on sprinting, and with Dylan Groenewegen we are competing at the highest level in the world. These guys have to do it in a different way. If you then have three riders sprinting for twelfth place, that is good. In these tough climbing classics, that is the level we are at right now,” said Bas Tietema to wielerflits.

The team manager also addressed the absence of Victor Lafay, a rider who would normally be capable of making a bigger impact in this type of race.

“These are really his races, especially La Flèche Wallonne as well. He is still recovering. That is what frustrates him the most right now. But he must not come back too early.”

Lafay fell ill some time ago and has therefore remained sidelined from competition.

“He might have been able to go with the stronger riders, but he was not available for selection.”

Beyond the sporting side, the Rockets once again succeeded in energising the roadside crowds, something that has become part of the team’s identity during the spring campaign.

“All in all, it was a good day for the Rockets. Our own corner was really awesome again. I saw a lot of flags this year. It is starting to become a habit. This year, with all those big classics on the schedule, we have had to do many events, but it is great to see that it was another big success here.”

For a team still building its place among cycling’s established names, the day offered another reminder that visibility, aggression and connection with supporters can matter almost as much as results.