"There were simply two riders who were clearly the strongest": Ben Tulett takes 13th for Visma at Liège after chaotic Monument

Team Visma | Lease a Bike failed to secure a top result to close out their spring classics campaign at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Ben Tulett ended up being the team's highest finisher, crossing the line in 13th place. Despite missing out on the top 10, both Tulett and sports director Maarten Wynants reflected positively on the race and the team's overall spring performance, which was highlighted by Van Aert's historic Paris-Roubaix victory.

The opening phase of the race was unusually chaotic, marked by a massive breakaway group that surprisingly included major favorites like Remco Evenepoel. Visma | Lease a Bike managed to place young rider Menno Huising in the move, but the aggressive tactics meant the peloton was under pressure from kilometer zero.

“From the start it was a really tough race,” Tulett reflected in an official team statement. “The pace was extremely high all day".

When the race reached the critical Côte de la Redoute, Tulett found himself exactly where he needed to be. However, as the decisive attacks flew, he had to honestly admit that he was outmatched by the sheer explosive power of the leading duo.

"On the Côte de la Redoute I was well positioned, but there were simply two riders who were clearly the strongest," he admitted. "After that I fought in the chase for a good result, but unfortunately I lost out in the sprint. I’m disappointed, but that’s part of racing. I’m happy that I was able to fight for a strong result in a Monument."

Sports director Maarten Wynants viewed the result pragmatically. Considering the team lost their designated Ardennes leader, Matteo Jorgenson, to a broken collarbone just a week prior at the Amstel Gold Race, a top 15 finish was a solid return.

“We rode a strong race today with Ben. We were aiming for a top-ten finish, but unfortunately we just missed out. All in all, we can be satisfied, especially considering where we stood last week after the Amstel Gold Race.”