Van Dam impresses on debut with fifth place in Tour Down Under opening stage

# Sarah Van Dam Shines on Tour Down Under Debut with Fifth Place Finish

The new road cycling season kicked off in Australia with the opening stage of the Tour Down Under, spanning 137 kilometers and featuring the challenging Willunga Hill. Team Visma | Lease a Bike showcased their robust lineup, prominently featuring Canadian debutant Sarah Van Dam.

In a thrilling contest, Alessia Vigilia attempted an early solo attack, securing a significant lead until just a kilometer from the finish line when the peloton caught up. As the final sprint commenced, Van Dam displayed her impressive speed, ultimately finishing in fifth place, just behind the leading pack. The stage victory was claimed by Ally Wollaston, who finished decisively ahead.

Reflecting on her performance, Van Dam stated, “The crashes in the finale caused a lot of chaos. It was a relatively calm day until the final phase of the race. We rode a strong race as a team, but because of the hectic finale, we were no longer grouped as we had hoped. I’m satisfied with this fifth place in my first race for the team, although there is always room for improvement. This result gives me a lot of motivation for the coming days.”

Having joined Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women this season, Van Dam expressed her positive experience so far: “I feel at home with the team. I received a very warm welcome from my teammates and the staff at the first training camp, which made my transition to this new environment very smooth. It was a big step for me, but I’m very happy that I’ve been able to take it. It’s a unique opportunity to work and learn within a team like this, surrounded by such strong riders. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve this season.”

### Stage 1 Results – Santos Women’s Tour Down Under
1. Ally Wollaston (FDJ United – SUEZ) – 3:28:31
2. Josie Nelson (Team Picnic PostNL) – +0:00:00
3. Femke Gerritse (Team SD Worx – Protime) – +0:00:00
5. Sarah Van Dam (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +0:00:00

In addition to Van Dam, her teammates also put forth noteworthy performances, ensuring a competitive presence for Team Visma | Lease a Bike in the early days of the season. As the race unfolds, all eyes will be on Van Dam to see how she continues to adapt and excel in her new surroundings.