19th April – Liège-Bastogne-Liège Espoirs: Bastogne – Blegny
The Espoirs edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège never fails to deliver fireworks, and this year’s race was no exception. Team Picnic PostNL was active from the start and well-represented throughout a highly selective day in the Ardennes. The early breakaway featured seven riders, but their hopes were dashed with 80 kilometers still to race. The peloton kept them close, and once the escapees were reeled back in, the race exploded into life. A group of 23 riders managed to get clear not long after, with Vincent Bodet present for Team Picnic PostNL. Their advantage grew quickly, and the pace remained relentless. Within fifteen minutes, another 19 riders bridged across to form a large lead group of 42 heading into the final phase of the race. Among them: Jacob Bush and Oliver Peace, putting Team Picnic PostNL in a powerful position with a few riders in contention.
As expected, the iconic Côte de La Redoute proved decisive with just under 40 kilometers remaining. The brutal gradients caused the front group to splinter, and seven riders broke clear, ultimately fighting for victory among themselves. Jarno Widar went on to win the race. Behind, Oliver Peace, Vincent Bodet, and Jacob Bush found themselves in the chasing group. Jacob Bush was the first rider from Team Picnic PostNL to finish, crossing the line in 26th place, in the same group as Vincent Bodet.
After the race, Bush reflected on the day: “After the small breakaway went, the team lined up at the front and controlled the race alongside Lotto, with Pavel taking the lead to ensure we stayed at the front of the peloton. The race really began as we entered the hill zone, but we were in a good position thanks to Ko and Thom, who set a good pace at the front during the first two climbs. On the Stockeu, the race started to open up, but it was on Haute Levee where things really began to break apart. Vincent made the front group, but Oliver and I were caught behind. Eventually, the race came back together and we hit La Redoute. Oliver and Vincent made it over with the main peloton, while I suffered for a bit between the cars, but eventually made it back to the group. In the end, I finished 26th. The result might not be outstanding today, but as a team, I think we made a big step forward in our approach to racing, and we can take confidence from that as we look toward the next goals.”