In the Belgian autumn classic, the yellow-and-black team was well represented at the head of the race. On the demanding local laps, Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women riders maintained a solid presence in the reduced peloton.

During the final lap, several riders from the Dutch formation tried to force a breakaway, but a select group ultimately headed for the finish together. In the streets of Binche, Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women were unable to play a decisive role in the battle for victory.

“As a team, we rode a good race today,” said sports director Jos van Emden afterward. “Perhaps we could have opened things up a bit earlier, but overall we can be satisfied with our performance. In the final lap we raced aggressively, but unfortunately, we couldn’t avoid a sprint finish.”

The Belgian autumn classic also marked the end of the road season for the Dutch outfit — a year Van Emden looks back on with great satisfaction. “It’s been a fantastic season. We won the Tour de France, which is the biggest victory possible. On top of that, our riders have continued to develop well, and as a result, the team as a whole has become even stronger.”