"I've also seen plenty of unfounded criticism" - Visma boss Plugge on team's online and TV criticism

Team Visma | Lease a Bike and UAE Team Emirates - XRG are at the top of pro cycling and they are the two teams that have battled for victory in all Grand Tours. Hence, their tactics have been analyzed to the tiniest of detail in a constant basis this year and often there is a lot of negative debate on both teams. Visma boss Richard Plugge believes a lot of it is unfounded and simply illogical.

"One of the most important values ​​and characteristics of our team is that we are the most internally critical of all,. We scrutinize every decision, consult with external advisors, and strive to learn every day. It's in our team's DNA. Yet, I've also seen plenty of unfounded criticism recently," Plugge said in an interview with the Dutch RIDE Magazine.

The team has won the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España this year, have taken several other high-level victories and results and score second behind UAE in the UCI points scored this season. By all means, the Dutch team cannot complain of a bad season, and a Tour de France triumph only did not happen because of Tadej Pogacar's presence in the race.

"One commentator or analyst knows it better than the next,. We're used to receiving tons of criticism in our team. We want to be the best team in the world, which means the pressure is high. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot was the best in the women's Tour de France this summer. This was also due to a near-perfect tactical performance by the entire team," he argues. "The growth of the women's team is wonderful to see; after a difficult start, the support staff is on top of things."

Plugge takes note of the online discourse regarding the team, but he was specifically apalled by the commentary on Pauline Ferrand-Prévot's weight and personal life following her Tour de France Femmes triumph, not to mention the doping allegations that are also stringed across by a specific section of the cycling audience.

"We can easily live with criticism from others. What I really can't get used to, however, is the difference in criticism of women's cycling (and perhaps women's sport) in general and our women's team in particular. Why is there so much focus on other, non-sporting matters like relationships, how the women behave, and how they look?" Plugge asks. "And this summer, so much on weight? While that's not an issue at all for the men."

"Our women and men compete at the highest level. In different categories, with different specific characteristics. But please judge both categories on their sporting values. On their performance, their preparation, their choices. The team management if necessary, on their tactics, the new signings or departures."