After a turbulent fortnight under heavy media scrutiny (particularly
in Belgium)
Team Visma | Lease a Bike showed real signs of recovery at the Tour
of Flanders. While they narrowly missed out on the podium, their performance
marked a much-needed boost during a difficult period for the team.
Wout van Aert, who has been at the centre of the criticism,
delivered a gutsy ride, matching the best riders in the world blow for blow in
the closing stages. Despite not making the top three, his form and resilience
were clear.
“We rode a very good race,”
said head of racing Grischa
Niermann in a team press release. “It’s a shame Wout didn’t make the podium, but we should be proud of
the way we raced. We were present at the front, with Tiesj anticipating early
and Wout and Matteo both riding at a high level.
“All three of them looked strong. It looked like Wout was
the second strongest in the race near the end, but I think the result tells the
truth. He managed to respond again and again to the attacks from Mathieu and
Tadej. That’s a good sign. It shows that, as a team, we’re in a good place — in
both depth and quality. Today gives us confidence for what’s still to come.”