“We had expected more from guys like Sepp Kuss and Wilco Kelderman” – Visma coach on mixed Algarve, injuries and classics

“We had expected more from guys like Sepp Kuss and Wilco Kelderman” – Visma coach on mixed Algarve, injuries and classics.

Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s head of performance, Mathieu Heijboer, has expressed disappointment over the recent performances of Sepp Kuss and Wilco Kelderman during the Volta ao Algarve. Despite Jonas Vingegaard securing the overall victory, Heijboer noted that the team had anticipated stronger showings from Kuss and Kelderman. In the mountain stage to Alto da Fóia, both riders were unable to meet the expectations set by their training performances, leaving Vingegaard with less support than planned.

The team’s challenges extended beyond the Algarve. At the UAE Tour, illnesses plagued the squad, hindering their objectives, particularly in sprint stages where Olav Kooij was a key contender. Heijboer highlighted that both Bart Lemmen and Thomas Gloag did not perform up to the team’s expectations, further impacting their results.

In addition to performance issues, the team is grappling with injuries affecting their classics campaign. Christophe Laporte’s preparation has been disrupted due to illness, causing him to miss the Opening Weekend. Similarly, Dylan van Baarle is sidelined from Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne following a collarbone fracture sustained during the Tour Down Under. These setbacks have necessitated adjustments in the team’s strategy and lineup for the upcoming classics.

Despite these challenges, the team remains optimistic. Wout van Aert is set to lead in the upcoming races, with Heijboer expressing confidence in van Aert’s ability to make a significant impact, even as he continues to build towards peak condition for the more critical races later in the season.

As the season progresses, Team Visma | Lease a Bike aims to overcome these early hurdles, focusing on optimizing rider health and performance to achieve their ambitious goals in the upcoming races.