Intermarché - Circus - Wanty have had a stellar start to the season and currently they find themselves leading the UCI rankings. The Belgian team has struck out early and Aike Visbeek has given a voice to that satisfaction.
"It was an important part of our strategy to start well. We had to say goodbye to 5 of our best 10 riders and you saw open question marks and even criticism of our transfer policy," team manager Aike Visbeek told Sporza. "They also got a bit nervous internally, so our plan was to start strong. That's working out well now, although I didn't expect us to be so successful."
The team had a brilliant 2022 season but the results led to big improvements in the salaries of many of it's leaders. The Belgian team could not sustain the financial burden, having to let go multiple leaders and focusing on a younger block including the likes of Biniam Girmay and Gerben Thijssen. However, they've started 2023 with an even more stacked results sheet.
"I had a good feeling about the team. Rui Costa, Lilian Calmejane and Mike Teunissen came to us with a lot of ambition," he said of the new signings. Costa won his opening race day at the Trofeo Calvia, and Visbeek describes the move with the Portuguese: "I told him: we don't get you as road captain, but to ride [for] results. He thought that was special. On the outside it looks like he's coming to blow out here, but he's still motivated to the bone."
Mallorca was an absolute blast for the team as Rui Costa won the opener, Biniam Girmay finished third and second at the Trofeo Alcudia and Palma respectively, and in the two mountainous races Kobe Goossens stormed to two separate wins. It has been a tremendous display of power and team work.
Over in Australia Sven Erik Bystrom finished the Tour Down Under in 7th and was close to victory at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race with a late attack, but Hugo Page and Dion Smith finished 2nd and 7th respectively. This consistency has led the team to top the rankings ahead of teams such as Jumbo-Visma and UAE Team Emirates.
"The fact that we are now in the winning mood not only gives confidence to the current riders, but also to future riders. I don't expect us to suddenly come to a standstill," Visbeek continues. "We give our riders a lot of confidence and a clear plan. That's a good combination. We are now among the top 10 in the world."
As the season develops the Belgian team isn't expected to keep this position, however for the time being they have enjoyed the achievement being a recent World Tour squad. "We have invested heavily in that structure and that is now paying off, because other riders also see that good work is being done here. We are now being offered riders that we could only dream of 1.5 years ago," he concluded.
HISTORIC: Intermarché-Circus-Wanty leads the UCI World Ranking for the first time ever. "We never though that we would ever reach such a milestone. It's a great reward for all involved since 1974. We must remain humble & pursue our project while enjoying this historic moment."
