Strong Tulett just misses out on top ten finish in Tre Valli Varesine

# Ben Tulett Just Misses Top Ten at Tre Valli Varesine

In the highly competitive 104th edition of the Tre Valli Varesine, which featured a demanding course with over 3,500 metres of elevation gain, Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s Ben Tulett narrowly missed a top ten finish. This year’s race was particularly grueling, with only two prior instances in its history presenting such a challenging elevation profile.

The race began with a five-man breakaway that was quickly caught, setting the stage for an intense showdown as the strongest climbers tested their mettle. Egan Bernal made a decisive move approximately fifty kilometres from the finish, which prompted a series of follow-up attacks from other riders. Isaac Del Toro’s surge on the final ascent of Montello appeared formidable, leaving Team Visma’s riders in a tight spot. Although Cian Uijtdebroeks attempted to keep pace with Del Toro, he ultimately fell behind.

The race took a definitive turn when Tadej Pogačar surged ahead, dropping Bernal and the chasing pack to secure a convincing victory. Marc Reef, the team’s sports director, remarked on the team’s performance, stating, “I’m very satisfied with our level throughout the Italian classics.”

In the final stretch, a chase group formed, which included Tulett. Despite showing immense strength, he finished in eleventh place. Reef reflected on Tulett’s performance, saying, “Ben was very strong today. In the sprint, he had to find his own way. I think he launched just a little too early, which allowed several others to pass him right before the line.”

Reef further emphasized the importance of maintaining composure throughout the race, particularly during the crucial final laps. “Ben had the legs to make it into the group behind Pogačar, but unfortunately they couldn’t stay ahead of the reduced peloton,” he noted, reiterating his overall satisfaction with the team’s effort.

### Race Results

1. **Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)** – 04:34:32
2. **Albert Withen Philipsen (Lidl-Trek)** – +00:00:46
3. **Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling Team)** – +00:00:46
11. **Ben Tulett (Team Visma | Lease a Bike)** – +00:00:46
29. **Cian Uijtdebroeks (Team Visma | Lease a Bike)** – +00:00:46
42. **Sepp Kuss (Team Visma | Lease a Bike)** – +00:02:14
49. **Tijmen Graat (Team Visma | Lease a Bike)** – +00:03:36
67. **Jørgen Nordhagen (Team Visma | Lease a Bike)** – +00:05:10
75. **Bart Lemmen (Team Visma | Lease a Bike)** – +00:07:25

### Conclusion

The Tre Valli Varesine showcased not only the grit and determination of the athletes but also the strategic elements that play a crucial role in cycling races. With promising performances from Team Visma, the future looks bright for Ben Tulett and his teammates as they continue their pursuit in the Italian classics.