"We played it out perfectly as a team. We were constantly at the front and had Per in a five-man breakaway group in the finale. When he was caught, it was my turn to go, so that Axel could focus on the sprint. The moment I went, I was immediately confident I would make it. I’m very happy that I was able to reward the team with this victory", said Fiorelli.

In the 43rd edition of the Breton one day race, the riders faced over 200 kilometers and 29 gravel sections. Team Visma | Lease a Bike were up to the task and had several contenders in Zingle, Strand Hagenes, Menno Huising and Fiorelli. Eleven riders remained in the final, with Zingle, Fiorelli and Strand Hagenes representing the yellow-and-black team.

After the latter’s attempt was unsuccessful, it was Fiorelli who launched a solo attack with three kilometers to go. The Italian gained dozens of meters and, thanks in part to the blocking work of his teammates, narrowly stayed out of the grasp of the chasers. "I dedicate this victory to my former sports director, who passed away yesterday. But also to everyone who believes in me and, of course, the team that gave me the chance to win today."

Sports director Robert Wagner is proud of the team’s fighting spirit. "We are very happy with this victory. It is the first time we have competed in this race as a team and we’ve hit the mark straight away. Filippo was one of the riders we wanted to take into the final. With Axel, Menno, Per and Filippo, we were always in a good position and tried to make the most of our numerical advantage."

"In the final, it was Per who went first and then Filippo. It was touch and go for a moment whether he’d make it or not, but he just managed it. It’s very special for Filippo to win. He usually rides in support of others and hasn’t won that many races in his career. It’s brilliant for him that he got the chance today and took it. He really deserves it."

According to Wagner, it is partly thanks to the mechanics that the team was able to put in a strong performance. "In a race with 29 gravel sections, it’s not a given that you’ll get through them without any problems. We only had one puncture in total, which is nothing in a gravel race like this. The mechanics did a fantastic job."