Team Visma | Lease a Bike shows attacking intentions in Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
# Team Visma | Lease a Bike Showcases Determination at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
In their final Australian race, Team Visma | Lease a Bike displayed fierce competitive spirit at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. The challenging double climb of Challambra Crescent, with its average gradient of around nine percent, set the stage for an exhilarating showdown.
Riders Rosita Reijnhout and Sarah Van Dam stood out on this treacherous incline, joining ten others in the fight for victory. As the race neared its conclusion, the former champion Reijnhout seized the opportunity to launch a breakaway in the last ten kilometers. Despite her efforts to carve out a lead, she was unable to secure sufficient distance to deliver a successful solo attack. In the ensuing sprint, Ally Wollaston emerged victorious, with Van Dam finishing sixth, just ahead of Reijnhout.
Reflecting on the race, Reijnhout remarked, “I knew it would be difficult to break away, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know. The course wasn’t tough enough to make a difference. Still, I look back on this day with a positive feeling.” She cherishes her return to the site of her first professional win two years ago, acknowledging the challenges faced in this year’s race. “Over the years, you discover what you’re good at. Races with lots of short bursts of effort and steep climbs suit me well,” she added.
Team’s sports director, Jesper Mørkøv, praised the team’s performance. “The girls rode a strong race. It was a difficult course, on which Rosita and Sarah showed that they are among the best.” He concluded, “All in all, we rode a good race and were in contention for the win until the end. Sixth place in this field is not bad.”
### Final Results
1. **Ally Wollaston** (FDJ United – SUEZ) – 03:54:55
2. **Josie Nelson** (Team Picnic PostNL) – 00:00:00
3. **Mireia Benito** (AG Insurance – Soudal Team) – 00:00:00
6. **Sarah Van Dam** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – 00:00:00
9. **Rosita Reijnhout** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – 00:00:00
29. **Marion Bunel** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:00:25
48. **Margaux Vigié** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:04:54
65. **Martina Fidanza** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:08:13
As the dust settles on another fierce competition, Team Visma | Lease a Bike leaves Australia with valuable insights and renewed motivation for future endeavors.
