Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development was prominent throughout the day in the opening stage of the Czech race. When the peloton hit the local laps, the pace increased sharply, but in the end a large group went to the line. In the closing kilometers, Cedric Keppens positioned Smithson perfectly, after which the young Brit powered to a convincing sprint win.

“This is the best moment I’ve had on the bike in the past two years,” Smithson reacted afterwards. “I knew this was a finish that suited me. The team delivered me perfectly, and I was able to finish it off. This really is a win for the whole squad. I’m incredibly happy, but above all very grateful. Hopefully we can be in the mix for more victories in the coming days — the feeling in the team is really good.”

Sports director Sierk Jan de Haan was also full of praise for his riders. “The team did an excellent job all day. They stayed at the front throughout the race and delivered Jed perfectly in the finale. It’s great to see that hard work is rewarded. I’m extremely proud of the team,” the Dutchman concluded.