For much of Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s lineup, the Clásica Jaén marked their first road race of 2025. There was little time for a gentle return to racing rhythm, as the Spanish event—often compared to Strade Bianche—featured ten gravel sectors and 2,500 meters of climbing, making for a tough profile.

The race ignited with 70 kilometers to go. Attacks from Tim Wellens and Egan Bernal failed to gain traction, but a move from eventual winner Michał Kwiatkowski proved decisive.

At that moment, Van Aert took control at the front of the favorites’ group. The Belgian dug deep for Tulett, significantly cutting into Kwiatkowski’s lead. In the closing stages, after Van Aert swung off, Tulett impressed with his strength but couldn’t bridge the gap to the lone leader. The Brit ultimately sprinted to ninth place.

“It felt good to be back racing”, said Tulett afterward. “Last year brought me some setbacks, so I’ve been looking forward to racing miles again. We aimed to get as many riders as possible through the first gravel sectors, which didn’t fully succeed, but we gave it everything as a team. My form feels good, and today’s race gives me confidence for the weeks ahead. I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Van Aert saw positives in his own season debut. “I hit my limit several times in the final”, he admitted. “At that point, I chose to sacrifice myself for Ben, as I felt he was our strongest card. I think we were chasing a bit from behind as a team. It wasn’t the comeback I had hoped for, but it wasn’t bad either. This effort will help me for sure. I trained hard over the winter and know when I need to peak. It was tough to be at my best immediately in such a demanding race, but it felt good to be back in the peloton.”

Tulett and Van Aert will line up again on Wednesday for the Volta ao Algarve. Sepp Kuss, Tiesj Benoot, and Loe van Belle, who also raced in Clásica Jaén, will join them in Portugal. Additionally, Jonas Vingegaard is set to make his season debut there.