"I did a reconnaissance so I knew how to approach things" - Study the key for Lennert van Eetvelt's Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana win

Friday, 26 January 2024 at 17:58

Lennert van Eetvelt showed off great form last year at the Challenge Mallorca, and in 2024 he has taken perhaps the biggest win of his career. At the Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana, he directly beat Aleksandr Vlasov and Brandon McNulty after a tough day of racing.

“Last Wednesday I already felt that my form was good, but the result was bad. I made a few mistakes in the race. Today everything went well. I had a super good day, luck was on my side and I have to admit that I am climbing better than last year. I improved a lot in the winter," the Belgian told Het Nieuwsblad after the finish. It was a combination of good positioning when the race split before the Puig Major, good legs when he matched Vlasov's attack on the climb, and good tactics when it came to the final sprint.

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Lennert van Eetvelt wins Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana - Belgian outsprints Vlasov and McNulty

"I have to admit that I explored the final yesterday," he admits. "Last year I also had to sprint with a small group in the twentieth stage of the Vuelta and I only finished fourth. I didn't know the final and I didn't want to make that mistake now, so I did a reconnaissance so I knew how to approach things. That was a big advantage.” Van Eetvelt started the sprint in second place, and was faster than his two rivals in the final straight to take an impressive victory.

“I knew Vlasov and McNulty of course, they are very strong. But in a sprint with climbers I know I am not slow," he assures. "I'm often faster than other climbers, so I started my sprint with confidence. I am very happy that I was able to win against these two strong men."