Team Visma | Lease a Bike was alert at the front from the start of the third stage of the ZLM Tour. When the wind once again caused the race to split apart, Behrens, Van Belle and Owain Doull made it into the first echelon. The group of sixteen riders worked well together and managed to maintain their advantage.

The pace remained high in the finale, eventually reducing the leading group to ten riders. Behrens and Van Belle made a strong impression by positioning themselves well at the front. Despite several attacks, the breakaway group entered the final kilometre together. After a strong ride, Van Belle finished fourth on the streets of Bergen op Zoom, with Behrens taking sixth.

“The boys rode a really strong race today,” says sports director Arthur van Dongen with a smile. “We were involved at the front from the very beginning, which meant we had three riders in the front echelon. Owain, Niklas and Loe gave it everything, but it’s a shame we just missed out on the podium, because we certainly deserved it. I’m proud of the way this young team showed themselves today.”

Tomorrow’s stage will be the longest of the day, covering more than 210 kilometres. “We’ve already had three tough days, and with another long stage ahead, it could well be one for the breakaway. We want to show ourselves again tomorrow and hopefully be in contention for the win once more,” Van Dongen concludes.