“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.