Ranking. UCI: We've often talked about it this season. And we've done so especially in relation to the issue of points and relegations. But there are also those who have won this ranking, this classification, and it's the Jumbo Visma.
The yellow-and-black squad was the most consistent throughout the year, bagging 48 victories with 12 different riders. The first victory on January 12th, the Australian national time trial championship signed by Rohan Dennis, and the last one on October 4th, the Binche-Chimay-Binche, led by Christophe Laporte. The Tour de France will also be taking place in between.
With arms raised
Ard Bierens He is the press officer of the Dutch battleship and tells us how this objective was pursued.
«Winning a ranking – he explains with his excellent Italian – It's always nice, but let's be honest: we prefer winning when we cross the finish line with our arms raised. It's a whole other level of adrenaline. We are clearly happy to have been number one this year and also over the course of the three seasons."
Bierens is referring to the UCI team ranking which decreed the relegated teams which, for the record, were the Israel PremierTech , Lotto Soudal.
«The desire to win this ranking was there anyway. Practically a year ago, that is, at the beginning of the season, we set ourselves a specific target, which was to win. To win many races and win the TourThe ranking wasn't a priority in that sense, but we wanted to earn it through victories."
The champions' logo
It may not have been a priority, but the joy was not lacking. That sense of belonging emerged over time. It's clear that the adrenaline rush of the moment is different. The rush of emotion that comes from crossing a finish line in the lead, winning a sprint, or even more so, a team time trial is something else entirely. It's something tangible.
Marco Pinotti A few months ago he told us that in cycling there is nothing stronger than winning a team time trial to strengthen the group.
"Clearly," Bierens continues, "we were happy with this success. It's the result of a great deal of work by everyone. Right." A few days ago, the UCI sent us the logos of the best teams to place on our team cars and jerseys. We also received a trophy for the 2020-2022 three-year period. I think that at the end of November when we all meet up again in retreat we will have a great party."
One for all
The great thing about a team ranking is that everyone can contribute. It's like a great stage race. Everyone contributes, everyone wins, everyone finishes, and everyone contributes points to the cause. The sense of belonging increases.
"I believe," explains Bierens, "that the desire to win this ranking was the same for everyone: from the athletes to the sports directors."
And when you have a certain team Wout van aert The fact that he alone brought in 30% of the points means a lot. It means that an athlete like him is a sure thing, and the others can rest easy.
«Wout is the best example of a team player. And cycling is a team sport, not an individual sport. especially today. Wout wins, he takes the green jersey, it's important for vingegaard and for Roglic».
And we'd add that it also decides who gets the glory that day. We're referring to Laporte's example at the Tour.
That day, also considering the final that could have been favorable to the French pacesetter, Van Aert after having escorted Vingegaard to the 3 kilometers of neutralization, also helped The door and then he stepped aside. What if this isn't a team?
Imagine how motivated Christophe would have been the next day. He would have given 110% for his teammates.
Finally Bierens closes with a simple sentence that says it all.
«pogacar He's hard to beat on his own, but together, as a team, we know we can beat him."
