Bart Lemmen amazes everyone, including himself, in first Visma | LAB course: 'Feel the appreciation'

If Lemmen were to scroll through the results on his phone that evening, he would see his name among those of two-time world champion Julian Alaphilippe and grand tour winner Simon Yates. Not bad for someone who is riding his first race for a new team and has recently embarked on a major journey of self-discovery. On Willunga Hill, he initially even did the lead work for the original captain Milan Vader.

Through the official channels of Visma | Lease a Bike, the former soldier shares his story. "The day was relatively under control. We managed to keep Milan well sheltered from the wind. We started the second climb of Willunga Hill in a good position. After a few attacks were made, I managed to hold my ground at the front. Ultimately, I just didn't have enough left in the sprint to grab a podium spot. I got a bit boxed in and slowed down, but I certainly can't complain with this great result," he logically concluded.

Lemmen, who already told us at the end of December that he felt right at home with the team, is on a roll. "I've gotten a huge boost recently," concludes the amiable and smart Dutchman. "The team has expressed a lot of confidence in me, and I really feel that appreciation. I didn't think I could compete with the best climbers here. The professional approach at team Visma | Lease a Bike and my specific role in the team suit me perfectly. I am very satisfied with this performance," says the top rider.

He's a down-to-earth guy, but on Sunday at Mount Lofty, he could easily finish in the top ten or even higher in the Tour Down Under. "To be honest, I did surprise myself a little. Now I'm looking forward to the final stage. I hope to maintain my top-ten ranking there. It's a stage that should suit Milan and me well again," Lemmen concludes.