Visma | LaB talent Nordhagen misses Muscat Classic, Tour of Oman uncertain: other rookie Behrens wants to win immediately

Visma | Lease a Bike announced on social media that their pupil will not start in what should be his first race for the team. Unfortunately, Jørgen Nordhagen will not be at the start of the Muscat Classic today due to illness," reports the Dutch team. "Get well soon, Jørgen!" With the young Norwegian's cancellation, the Killer Bees now start with seven men. Whether he will start in the Tour of Oman is unclear.

The 20-year-old climber has long been considered an absolute top talent. Visma | Lease a Bike was not afraid to start working with the Norwegian early on. At that time, the team was known as Jumbo-Visma, but now, years later, it is time to try out among the elites. "To eventually take over the role of Jonas and perform the same things is the dream," Nordhagen previously told. "But I will do it at my own pace." That he will not start in the Muscat Classic is a setback, but it is only a minor detail in the big picture.

Because of Nordhagen's absence, the eyes of the Dutch team are now on the other rookie: Niklas Behrens will ride his first professional race in the yellow colors. The 21-year-old German became world champion in the U23s last year, and he has immediate big plans at Visma | Lease a Bike. "I am very excited for the start of the season," says the strong bear on social channels. "Today is a chance, but it will depend on the climb in the final. If I can survive the climb, I definitely hope to compete for the win." So, there is really no sign of a slow start.