Kuurne winner Brennan praises Visma | Lease a Bike teammates: “I only had to do the easy part”

A few hours before the race, it still wasn’t certain Brennan would even start in Kuurne. On Saturday, he hit the deck hard in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Fortunately for him — and for Visma | Lease a Bike — the damage was limited to a few scrapes and bruises. Mentally, though, Brennan admitted he still felt the after-effects.

“I was pretty nervous today because of yesterday’s crash,” the young talent said afterwards in the flash interview. That may have played a role in a moment earlier in the race when Brennan missed the move. “I was out of position for a bit, but Pietro (Mattio) gave everything to bring me back.”

Aside from that one moment, the Dutch squad were active at the front for much of the day. “We raced well as a team, stayed up there, and made the race hard,” said the Brit, full of praise for his teammates. “I’m happy I could finish off the team’s hard work.”

And heading into the sprint, Visma | Lease a Bike had things under control. “Everyone did their job brilliantly. Laporte did such a good lead-out that in the last few hundred metres, I only had to do the easy part.”

The 20-year-old had already ridden Kuurne twice before — as a junior. “Back then I always stayed to watch the pros afterwards. It’s amazing to be here now myself and to be able to throw my hands in the air,” Brennan said with a smile. And he’s hoping this won’t be the last Classic he wins.

“I’m hoping for more success this spring. These races are really amazing. One day I hope to win a big Classic like Paris–Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders, but that might take some time,” he laughed after the finish. Brennan made a strong Roubaix debut last year — so who knows what he can do on the French cobbles this season.