A sensational final day in the Lotto Belgium Tour.  Anouska Koster took both the stage and the overall race win on Friday afternoon after a strong performance of our entire cycling team. “As far as I am concerned, this is a victory to be added to everyone’s honorary list”, says DS Jeroen Blijlevens after the race.

A group of 11 riders took the lead in the final stage of the 4-day-race, including Anouska Koster. “Even though Anouska was best ranked, we were not at ease as the others were also rather well placed in the GC”, according to Blijlevens.

That’s why the WM3-riders went full speed in the peloton. Marianne Vos jumped on the first climb of the Muur van Geraardsbergen which led, with the effort of the entire team, to catching the 11 escapees.

With only 40 kilometres to go, Coryn Rivera attacked. Anouska Koster was again attentive and could make the connection.  But again, this situation was not ideal for WM3 Pro Cycling as Rivera was one of the top riders in the GC. “Our team did everything possible to catch them again by pulling at the front”, says Jeroen Blijlevens.

Five riders, including Marianne Vos, made the leap, resulting in 7 break-away riders. The American Ruth Winder accelerated from the leading group and, Anouska reacted again. Both Anouska and Winder raced to the finish at the bottom of the Muur van Geraardsbergen.

The team deserves praise
“In the final, Winder tried to escape several times, but Anouska was simply very strong. She finished it off in the sprint and took a well-deserved victory”, says Blijlevens. “Also the rest of the team should be praised. The girls have moved mountains.”

Anouska Koster won the GC with Marianne Vos being 3rd.