Visma on the back foot after Tour of Britain stage 1: “We have to stay positive”

While Kim Le Court lit up Stage 1 of the 2025 Women’s Tour of Britain with a brilliant victory, it was a far more challenging day for Team Visma | Lease a Bike, who found themselves on the back foot from early on.

The Dutch squad was noticeably absent from the front of the race, failing to place a rider in the key move that shaped the final. Sports director Robby Cobbaert admitted post-stage that the team had expected more.

“It’s a shame that we didn’t have anyone in the first chasing group,” Cobbaert said in a team press release. “We had thought that Imogen would be able to get along in front. Unfortunately, she didn’t have her best day. That can happen.”

The squad had hoped to position Imogen Cotter for a strong showing, but with the race splitting under pressure and aggressive riding from AG Insurance – Soudal and others, Visma were caught out and forced to limit their losses.

Despite the setback, the team remains determined to bounce back. “We know that a top ten ranking in the general classification will be very difficult,” Cobbaert admitted, “but we have to stay positive and take advantage of every day to get a nice result.”

Looking ahead to Stage 2, which features a testing uphill finish after a tough 35 kilometre run-in, there’s hope that Cotter can respond. “It would be nice if Imogen regains her good legs tomorrow,” Cobbaert added.