Team LottoNL-Jumbo has played a prominent role in Il Lombardia. The formation of sports director Addy Engels coloured the final of the race. Primoz Roglic was part of the decisive breakaway, but was unable to follow on the penultimate climb. George Bennett was our top finisher in tenth place.

Team LottoNL-Jumbo took the initiative and kept dictating the tempo at the foot of the Muro di Sormano, after which Roglic attacked. The Slovenian was joined by Pinot, Nibali and later by Bernal as well. On the Civiglio however, Roglic had to pay the price for that effort.

“The plan was to do it like that. Taking the initiative on the Sormano to make the race as hard as possible”, sports director Addy Engels explained. “We succeeded in that, as Primoz immediately created a lead. In the end, it turned out to be the decisive move and it was an ideal situation for us until then. Unfortunately, he did not have the legs and the power on the Civiglio anymore to follow and to battle for the podium. All in all it was a beautiful move from our team and also the only way for us to go. The team rode a great race and showed a great fighting spirit. I can certainly live with that.”

“As a team we have done a good race”, Bennett said. “We took the initiative and set up the decisive move with Primoz. I am proud of how we have raced as a team today.”