ProTeam Lessons learned and good things seen: Intermarché-Lotto takes stock of the Algarve week

# Intermarché-Lotto Reflects on Algarve Tour: A Promising Start with Valuable Insights

Intermarché-Lotto recently concluded the Tour of the Algarve, highlighting significant progress, particularly with Jarno Widar’s commendable seventh place finish on the Alto do Malhão. Previously securing the nineteenth position earlier in the week, Widar now finds himself alongside elite competitors such as Juan Ayuso and João Almeida, surpassing names like Daniel Martínez, Kévin Vauquelin, and Dylan Van Baarle. Although the team did not achieve a victory in Algarve, they emerged with crucial insights for the upcoming spring classics. “But with a handful of lessons for Opening Weekend and, by extension, the rest of the spring classics,” stated performance manager Aike Visbeek.

The Volta ao Algarve served as an excellent preparatory stage for the Flemish spring, combining elements of climbing, sprinting, and even some cobbled terrain. It also provided a perfect platform for the team’s classics squad to enhance their cohesion. “We shouldn’t forget that nearly half of the team is new,” Visbeek noted. With new professionals like Jarno Widar, along with Huub Artz and Luca Van Boven joining from the former Intermarché-Wanty squad, the team had two primary objectives: to physically prepare for Opening Weekend and to foster better teamwork.

Reflecting on the week’s performance, the team expressed satisfaction with their efforts. “The form of both De Lie and Widar, as well as the other guys, is trending upward,” Visbeek remarked. He acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in positioning, and emphasized the importance of racing together. “It was important to race together with teammates this week. Also for Jarno, who made a strong debut here this week against the big teams and big names. Physically he’s not at his peak level yet, but he learned a lot from Liam Slock, and the two of them will also ride the Strade–Trofea Laigueglia block together. I’m optimistic. We head into the classics with a hungry mindset,” he added.

As Intermarché-Lotto sets its sights on the spring classics, this week in the Algarve has solidified their foundation, with lessons learned and spirits high for the challenges ahead.