Despite multiple attacks, no dangerous breakaway managed to form under harsh conditions, shifting the focus early on to the demanding local circuits. The first selection occurred on the initial ascent of the Mur de Huy, where the riders from the black-and-yellow squad positioned themselves prominently at the front.

A heavily reduced peloton, including four riders from Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women, approached the final climb of the Mur de Huy. On this iconic Belgian steep finish, 21-year-old Geurts managed to hang on for a long time but ultimately came up just short of a podium place. Pieterse claimed the victory; Geurts crossed the line in an impressive tenth.

"I'm really proud of the team”, said sports director Jos van Emden afterwards. "I was actually quite positively surprised. Of course, I know what my riders are capable of, but the way they raced today was truly impressive. The fact that Mijntje also finishes tenth is an outstanding achievement. As a team director, I’m very proud."

In addition to Geurts, both Marion Bunel and Maud Oudeman also secured spots in the top twenty – a strong result for the young squad. "It’s great to see how well the riders are developing. The progress our young talents are making is going well, and a race like today plays a big part in that. It’s wonderful to see them all step up and seize their opportunities”, Van Emden concluded.