Niermann plays down Van Aert puncture at Le Samyn as Visma’s ‘young guns’ impress

Le Samyn marked Van Aert’s return to racing, but it also became the day of Hagenes’ long-range move. “We wanted to try to make the race hard and Per did it brilliantly,” Niermann said. “It was a great solo, but unfortunately it just wasn’t enough. There were still too many teams with strong riders to chase behind. That he gets caught with 500 metres to go is really a shame.”

To make matters worse, Visma also lost plan B when Van Aert punctured — he said later it was caused by glass on the road. “Wout punctured and at that moment we were behind a second group, I think at a minute and a half,” Niermann explained. “He first took a bike from team-mate Pietro and then another from us, but unfortunately it was too late to get back on.”

With Christophe Laporte forced to miss the start as the intended leader, all eyes turned to Van Aert. But the Belgian started cautiously, especially with a very young Visma squad around him: Matisse Van Kerckhove (19), Loe van Belle (24), Hagenes (22), Pietro Mattio (21) and Aldo Taillieu (20).

Still, Visma grabbed the race by the throat. “We didn’t want to sprint here against Dylan Groenewegen, Gerben Thijssen and Jordi Meeus — although that certainly would have been plan B with Wout,” said Niermann. “It was very good for him to be back racing again, and Wout also took the lead with our young guys.”

Van Aert as a road captain and mentor is a role Niermann believes suits him perfectly — even if it is not something he has to do every week. At Le Samyn, though, the Belgian kept the youngsters in line and Visma rode aggressively throughout. “He did that well, but we know nothing else from him,” Niermann said. “We rode a good race.”

And while the puncture meant Van Aert finished without a result, Niermann did not treat it like a disaster — especially with Strade Bianche coming up this Saturday. “If he has to puncture deep in the finale, then preferably today,” he said. “It’s always annoying and a shame he can’t contest the sprint, but better now than on Saturday in Strade Bianche.”

Bram van der Ploeg ( X: @BvdPloegg | email : [email protected])