Strong start for the Buff-BH Team in the first two stages: three podiums and a victory that sets the tone for what's to come.
In the prologue, Rosa van Doorn and Vera Looser were the first to reach the podium with a very solid 3rd place. A result that not only adds points but also puts the team where it needs to be from minute one. And today they went a step further: 2nd place and a full confirmation that they are in race mode.
The big prize of the day, however, went to Wout Alleman and Martin Stošek. They raced smartly, avoiding mistakes, managing every moment with confidence... and finishing strong where it counts: stage victory. Buff-BH Team's first win in the event. And when a victory comes so early, it's not luck: it's a sign.
Also noteworthy is the progression of Hans Becking and Teus Ruijter, who came very close to the top 10. A pair that is steadily improving, gaining pace and ground stage after stage, just as it should be in a long race.
This has just begun, but the message is already clear: there is skill, there is motivation, and there is ambition. Now it's time to recover well, because there are still six stages left, and the key here is not just to push hard: it's to know when to ease off, endure, and strike again when it matters.
General Classification after Stage 1
Maintain position
Move up 10 places
Move up 5 places