While Campenaerts impresses in Spain, Brennan and Kooij keep shining in England: "We had control in every area"

Kooij had already won the first two stages, thanks in part to the work of his 20-year-old teammate, but in the third stage, he gave the Brit the chance. He seized it with both hands, sprinting to victory with ease. It was already his twelfth victory of the season. “This is amazing,” Brennan rejoiced afterwards on the team's website. “It’s already been a fantastic season so far, and to keep winning these past weeks is really special.”

Normally, Kooij is the regular finisher, but as the lead-out man, he did his job very well. He ensured that no one could get past his team leader. “It was a hectic finale today, with lots of riders fighting for position. We managed to move up with our train at just the right time. I was in Olav’s wheel, and he dropped me off perfectly at the line. It’s an incredible win.”

The young sprinter has already won twelve times this year, including four times in the WorldTour. However, the victory in Great Britain is especially significant. He secured his first professional victory in his own country. “I’m really grateful to the team for giving me this opportunity to go for a stage win in my home country, especially with a leader like Olav in our team.”

Visma | Lease a Bike was also at the front in the Vuelta a España. On a day made for breakaway riders, the team kept leader Vingegaard safe. The wearer of the red jersey can now prepare for the grueling ride to Alto del Angliru. “We can look back on a successful day,” says sports director Jesper Mørkøv. But far ahead of the rest of the team, Campenaerts was able to do his own thing.

The Belgian had a tough time on the steep sections of the final climb, but he still had something left in reserve just in case. “We had control in every area. In the peloton, the guys did excellent work for Jonas. With Victor, we were represented in the breakaway, in case Jonas needed him on or after the final climb. It’s great that Victor was able to reward his effort with a fourth-place finish.”