Team Visma | Lease a Bike gets through tough third stage in Itzulia Basque Country, Tulett 13th despite crash

# Team Visma | Lease a Bike Navigates Challenging Stage at Itzulia Basque Country

In a demanding stage three of the Itzulia Basque Country, Team Visma | Lease a Bike faced a variety of challenges while competing over a 153-kilometer route that began and ended in Basauri. The stage was defined by three significant climbs that tested the riders, including Ben Tulett, who started the day ranked fifth overall.

After more than an hour of racing, a strong breakaway group of fifteen riders managed to establish a considerable lead. Unfortunately, the conditions proved perilous for Tulett. The 24-year-old British rider was involved in a crash with teammate Tim Rex prior to the first climb. Fortunately, both riders sustained minimal damage and quickly rejoined the peloton.

As the race progressed, the breakaway group dwindled, and the favorites maintained a steady pace, allowing those in the lead to contest the stage victory. Axel Laurance of INEOS Grenadiers emerged victorious, showcasing his strength alongside Igor Arrieta. Meanwhile, Tulett adeptly responded to a late surge by race leader Paul Seixas in the steep final kilometer, ultimately finishing in thirteenth place.

“A solid result given the circumstances,” remarked sports director Frans Maassen. He added, “Ben had a heavy crash, so it’s a relief that he came away without too much damage. He was well supported by his teammates and still managed to show himself in the finale. We hope the damage is limited with the coming stages in mind. Today was a very tough transition stage, and the next few days will also feature demanding stages. We’ll have to take it day by day.”

### Stage 3 Results
1. **Axel Laurance** (INEOS Grenadiers) – 03:38:33
2. **Igor Arrieta** (UAE Team Emirates – XRG) – +00:00:02
3. **Natnael Tesfatsion** (Movistar Team) – +00:00:14
13. **Ben Tulett** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:01:04

### Overall Rankings
1. **Paul Seixas** (Decathlon CMA CGM Team) – 08:08:24
2. **Primož Roglič** (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) – +00:01:59
3. **Florian Lipowitz** (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) – +00:02:08
5. **Ben Tulett** (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +00:02:27

As the team looks forward, they remain focused on the upcoming stages, keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead.