Graat wins Istrian Spring Trophy
One day after his first-ever victory on a racing bike, Tijmen Graat has claimed his second. In the final stage of the Istrian Spring Trophy, the leading position of the twenty-year-old Graat was not jeopardized. As a result, the rider of the Jumbo-Visma Development Team took first place in the race's overall standings in Croatia.
Teammate Darren van Bekkum was next to Graat on the final podium. The third-year U23 rider finished third overall. Menno Huising won the mountains classification.
"As a team, we controlled it perfectly today”, Graat said. "Other GC riders attacked, but we reacted well. In part due to our control, we went for a bunch sprint, and the overall win was a fact. I'm very proud of the team because we rode very strongly. It was a successful day and an excellent way to end the race.”
Sports director Robert Wagner saw a young team race in a mature way. "Today's goal was to secure the two jerseys we had in our possession. The boys did that perfectly. I've seen a real team this week. We also know that our guys are in good shape. That can lead to excellent results, and they reward themselves with that.”
