Lidl-Trek’s 24-year-old Czech rider Mathias Vacek was crowned the overall winner of the ZLM Tour in Waalwijk. After five days of racing, his teammate Max Walscheid and Euskaltel-Euskadi’s Axel van der Tuuk joined him on the final podium in second and third place. Henry Hobbs won the final stage. The 19-year-old Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider defeated Lidl-Trek’s Max Walscheid and BEAT CC’s David Dekker in the streets of Waalwijk.
Six riders launch an early attack
The riders clearly had attacking intentions in the final stage around Waalwijk. Roan Konings (METEC-Solarwatt p/b Mantel), Rick Ottema (EEW-VDK Cycling Team), Mees Vlot (Team Picnic PostNL), Tars Poelvoorde (Lotto-Intermarché), Artuur Torney (Team Flanders-Baloise) and Oliver Knudsen (SWAT Club) broke away early in the stage.
They were able to dream of the stage victory for a long time, but on this occasion the peloton caught the escapees just in time. Led by Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe and Lidl-Trek, the peloton closed the final gap.
Hobbs surprises the fast men
Henry Hobbs produced a surprise in the final sprint by proving to be the fastest rider. “The team worked hard for me all day, so it is amazing to win here,” said the young Brit. “I did not expect to beat all those fast riders, but I am incredibly happy with this victory.”
Vacek caps off a strong ZLM Tour with overall victory
Mathias Vacek’s yellow ZLM leader’s jersey was never in danger during the final stage. The 24-year-old Czech received the winner’s trophy with a broad smile. “I mainly came here for the time trial, but winning the general classification is of course amazing as well,” said Vacek. “As a team, we can look back on a successful ZLM Tour. I would be delighted to return in the future.”
Lidl-Trek wins the team classification
Roan Konings received the award for the most combative rider, while Lidl-Trek was crowned the winner of the team classification.
