Visma | Lease a Bike has finalized selection Renewi Tour: "If the wind picks up, we could see fierce racing"

Visma | Lease a Bike has finalized its selection for the upcoming edition of the Renewi Tour. The Dutch team is counting on a strong lineup in the Low Countries, featuring top names like Olav Kooij, Christophe Laporte and Tiesj Benoot.

Team leader Frans Maassen took the floor in the press release: "Our primary goal is to secure a stage win with Olav. Whether we can contend in the general classification will largely depend on the time trial. We don't have a time trial specialist in the team, although Mick should be able to deliver a solid performance."

"Beyond that, it's about minimizing the damage and seeing how far we can progress. Christophe, Tiesj and Per could prove crucial in the final stage," Maassen said, referring to the stage in and around the Wall of Geraardsbergen. Benoot had a good race on Sunday in the Bretagne Classic, where Laporte did not finish.

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"Typically, the sprinters have three opportunities, but it all hinges on the weather conditions," said the Dutch team leader. "If the wind picks up, it could result in three days of fierce racing. Olav is in good form, but I believe he can improve slightly compared to his performance in Poland. Hopefully, he can demonstrate that this week."

Kooij himself is ready as well. "I am really looking forward to it. This race is close to my home, and I know the area quite well. I performed very well in Poland with two stage wins, which gives me a great feeling. However, at the Renewi Tour, the competition will be fierce once again. We will do everything we can to win a stage as a team, and who knows what else we might achieve," said the sprinter.

Selection Visma | Lease a Bike Renewi Tour 2024

Olav Kooij
Mick van Dijke
Per Strand Hagenes
Christophe Laporte
Tiesj Benoot
Tosh Van der Sande
Julien Vermote