Majo van’t Geloof wins GP Beerens

PHOTOS: Daan van Overveld
Words: TOM OWEN

Marjolein van’t Geloof capped off a dominant team display at the Grote Prijs Beerens in Belgium today, crossing the line with her arms in the air and a bike length to spare.

Teammate Jesse Vandenbulcke was second across the line, making it a double-podium day, deserving of twice the celebration.

Majo was forced to abandon the Tour de France Femmes earlier this season after an injury she incurred in a massive crash on the fifth stage. Today was the payback for that setback, coming hot on the heels of some threatening results in the last fortnight.

“The race today was mental, but we raced it super well,” Majo explained. “We were organised; the girls all knew the plan and we stuck to it.”

“We know we need a hard race to get results, so we sent girls off in breaks all day, to make the race hard and force the other teams to chase.”

In the final, there was rarely a moment when four or five sky blue helmets were not visible at the front of the race, as our riders dominated the run-in.

“The leadout the girls gave me was out the books, a perfect leadout. It’s something we have practised a lot, and that showed today. It’s a big win for the team, but also for me – to have that first UCI win, the target I have been going for for years. Without the team’s support that would have never happened. I’m grateful for that.”

Sports director Julia Soek said after the race.

“Everyone performed super well today, we were always planning to ride aggressively and the riders followed the tactic perfectly. The teamwork really paid off, with Majo and Jesse able to go 1-2 at the finish.”

Majo’s victory came from a sprint finish, but our riders were extremely active and aggressive throughout the whole race. Flora Perkins, Evan van Agt and Jesse all took their turns to attack off the front of the peloton.

“It was hard to get the pace up in the break with the wind,” explained Flora. “I tried to stay on my threshold and not dip into the red too much, knowing that we might be caught and I wanted to have legs to help Majo. The gap fluctuated a bit. We worked pretty well as a duo. I tried to stay tucked in and spin where possible.

In the end, despite being caught, Flora was able to play her role in the successful sprint finish.

“I was really pleased to be able to aid in the leadout at the end for the girls. We really bossed it and that was a good feeling.”