04/03/2023

"We looked at each other too much" - Tiesj Benoot aknowledges tactical errors following third place at Strade Bianche

Jumbo-Visma had a spectacular last weekend taking two wins on team strength. At Strade Bianche they couldn't make it work, with lack of coordination eventually preventing both Tiesj Benoot and Attila Valter from fighting for the victory.

“The podium was the goal for the team, with me or Attila Valter. We've got me on the podium now, which isn't too bad, but we made a mistake not being with Pidcock," Benoot said after the finish. "He was a big favorite and he started at 60 kilometers. In the end he was stronger than I expected, so he deserved to win. If you do 60 kilometers solo, chapeau…”

Long solo attack "really not the plan" for Tom Pidcock who scores biggest pro victory on the road at Strade Bianche

When he counter-attacked at Monte Sante Marie, none of the big favourites looked to join up with the INEOS Grenadiers rider. That was a big mistake for the rest of the peloton which saw itself fighting for minor places. Jumbo-Visma had two options out front, consistently making the right moves and getting themselves in the six-rider chasing group that had Pidcock in sight at times.

“It was a situation where there were six of us, and everyone agreed with that," he continued, however the gap had to be closed, and no-one had the legs and/or the mindset at different points to do it definitely. "And if I close it, I'll kill myself and I can't win anymore. At that moment we looked at each other too much, I think. We could have done better, although I made mistakes myself."

Tom Pidcock soars to solo Strade Bianche victory, Madouas and Benoot join in podium

Pidcock's gap grew back and the duo were left fighting for minor places. Benoot eventually climbed to third on the day, a continuation to his good run of form, whilst Valter finished fifth. After winning Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne last weekend, the Belgian continues a successful return to competiton.

“We have to look at the race again together, during the race it is difficult to keep an overview. It was just a mistake on both of our part that no one was with Pidcock. I think we were both among the best riders in the race. We have proven that. Too bad we can't capitalize on that in the end," he concluded.