“I’m extremely happy with my first win for the team,” Barry said with a smile. “I felt really good all day. As a team we rode a very strong race, and it’s great that I could finish it off like this.”

After failing to make an impression in the opening stage, Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development bounced back strongly following yesterday’s solid performance. The race opened up early on, with Barry and Taillieu positioning themselves in the front group.

On the VAM Berg, which had to be climbed multiple times, the leading group gradually thinned out. The two young riders impressed and managed to stay at the front. On the final ascent of the Dutch climb, it was Barry who launched his attack and soloed to victory. Taillieu sprinted to second place behind the eighteen-year-old American.

“I’m extremely proud of the team,” said sports director Robby Cobbaert. “The boys showed great resilience. After the disappointment of the first stage, they kept fighting. It’s very rewarding to see that effort pay off like this. We animated the race and took the win in great style.”