"UAE and INEOS had five riders in pursuit, so it is not our responsibility" - Jan Tratnik fumes at rivals lack of desire at Clasica Jaen Paraiso Interior

Despite taking home third place from the 2024 Clasica Jaen Paraiso Interior, Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Jan Tratnik was not best pleased in his post-race interview.

Oier Lazkano took the win on the day from the breakaway and speaking about the lack of desire in the chase, Tratnik fumed at his rival teams. "UAE Team Emirates and INEOS Grenadiers had five riders in pursuit, so it is not our responsibility," he cites. "They make a mistake. But yes, that is the way it is and we have to live with it."

The fact Tratnik's team leader, Wout van Aert was cruelly ruled out of proceedings by a puncture gives the Slovenian another reason to be discontent. "Wout was the team leader today and the team was focused on him," he explains.

"Sepp Kuss and I had to respond to attacks from the other rivals, but unfortunately Wout suffered a puncture. We wanted to wait for Wout, but afterwards he gave the green light not to stop and to make the race faster," Tratnik concludes. "In the end we rode a good race and we can be satisfied. We just didn't have much luck and another victory will come."