"We can be proud of how we rode as a team this stage" - Visma's young guns continue to impress at Tour Down Under 2025

Team Visma | Lease a Bike took to the 2025 season-opener at the Tour Down Under with a notable focus on youth, something that was thrust even more into focus by the experienced Dylan van Baarle abandoning on stage 1. After impressive performances by Matthew Brennan over the first 2 stages, on stage 3 another young Brit came to the fore.

Finishing 5th on the first real GC test of the race, Thomas Gloag has thrust himself right into Ochre Jersey contention, just 15 seconds down on race leader Javier Romo. “It was a difficult and technical final,” reflects the young Brit afterwards in a Visma press release. “But I'm super satisfied with this result. I was a little bit out of position at the start of the last climb. Fortunately, I was able to catch up with the favourites. The team helped me a lot today with positioning, which was important. We rode well at the front of the peloton for most of the day. Dylan dropping out in the first stage was a big disappointment, but we are making the best out of it. We can be proud of how we rode as a team this stage.”

After a difficult couple of years through injury, Gloag is really enjoying his time in Australia. “It’s great, I have been here for several weeks for vacation with my girlfriend and training. This is one of my favourite races I have ever done," he explains. "I'm extremely happy with my form right now and the 2025 start we have as a team. Let's continue that into the second half of the Tour Down Under.”

“Thomas was exactly where he needed to be in the final. With the fifth place today, a lot still remains possible for the general classification,” adds Team Visma | Lease a Bike's sports director Addy Engels. "In addition, I really enjoyed how the guys worked together as a team. Menno Huising was strong today and showed himself mostly at the front for the team. There is a lot of dedication among our young guys, which is a good development. We will see how Matthew Brennan will digest the climbs tomorrow. In addition, we have to make sure Thomas gets through the day well and is ready in the fifth stage for Willunga Hill, where the general classification will be determined.”