JUMBO-VISMA PROVED TEAM OF THE YEAR

The Dutch squad always find a way to perform even when the chips are down, writes Owen Rogers

- Owen Rogers

It might only have been six seconds, but when Primož Roglicwon the Vuelta a España’s 7.1km opening stage time trial in Burgos in September, a third consecutive overall victory for the Slovenian felt inevitable.

Yes, he lost the red jersey on stage three, then again when he lent it to Odd Kristian Eiking (Intermarché-WantyGobert Matériaux) for a week. But when Roglicreclaimed the overall at Lago de Covadonga with the third of his four stage wins on day 17, he kept it for good, adding the final day time trial for good measure. The Slovenian’s five victories contributed to Jumbo-Visma being our team of the year, but they are far from the only reason.

Sport is the starkest of results-based hierarchies. The win/loss column doesn’t lie. But look for another ranking that has Jumbo-Visma at the top and you won’t find one, except perhaps in their own Dutch Service Course. The world ranking has them third behind Deceuninck-Quick Step and Ineos Grenadiers. And they won 22 fewer races than the Belgian squad, who also took more WorldTour victories.

So why is Jumbo-Visma our team of the year? Consistency, and the way they won their races, that’s why.