In the opening stage of the Tour Down Under, where Team Visma | Lease a Bike fielded a young lineup, three riders launched an attack with 110 kilometers to go. On the hilly course around Tanunda, the yellow-and-black formation led the chase, bringing the break back with seven kilometers remaining.

In the finale, Team Visma | Lease a Bike stayed together at the front to support their leader Brennan. The young Brit was well positioned in the final kilometer, but ultimately came up just short of the win.

“We rode a strong race as a team today,” Brennan reflected. “We controlled the stage from start to finish and were well positioned at the front in the closing kilometers. Maybe we took the wrong line in the final kilometer, but overall we can be happy with our performance. The feeling is good.”

This strong showing gives the 20-year-old rider confidence for the upcoming stages. “Tomorrow will be a very tough day, but I hope to stay in contention until the finale. There are also a few opportunities later this week, which I’m looking forward to with a lot of confidence.”