In a stunning turn of events at the Tour of Flanders Women, the Movistar team emerged as an unexpected force, showcasing their aggressive racing style and led by an impressive performance from Liane Lippert. While prominent teams like SD Worx-Protime and Lidl-Trek were anticipated to dominate the race, it was Movistar’s assertiveness that stole the spotlight on Sunday evening.

Although they didn’t secure a win in the preceding Dwars door Vlaanderen, Movistar’s strategic approach paid off at Flanders, culminating in Lippert’s commendable third-place finish — marking her first podium in this esteemed race.

A carefully crafted plan was set in motion as Lippert remarked, “Marlen and I aimed to be strong leaders, presenting two different strategies for this race. Each teammate played a crucial role in keeping us calm and well-positioned during the early sections.

Lippert, known for her climbing abilities, initiated the decisive moves that split the pack. “I attacked on the Oude Kruisberg, feeling strong, and the effort on the Kwaremont further thinned out the group without exhausting myself,” she recounted. This tactical acumen illustrated her capability to not only follow but lead during critical moments of the race.

While Movistar celebrated their podium finish, the team harbored some frustrations regarding the overall racing mentality of their rivals. Marlen Reusser highlighted a prevailing reluctance among other teams to take charge of the race, noting, "Many were hesitant to shoulder the responsibility of chasing, but we took the initiative ourselves."

This eagerness to race aggressively stems from Movistar’s belief in their collective strength. Reusser stated, “We trust in our team dynamics and our sports director, Kelvin Dekker, who crafts sound strategies. I personally prefer an active race rather than hanging back, even if it means I sometimes overexert myself.”

Lippert echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of their aggressive approach given their roster. With no top-tier sprinters like Lotte Kopecky or Elisa Longo Borghini in their ranks, every team member must contribute strategically. “Marlen and I complement each other well on climbs, allowing us to push the pace, as we also demonstrated in Dwars door Vlaanderen,” she explained.

Despite their commendable efforts, both Lippert and Reusser felt the race could have been more challenging. Key moments appeared as eliminations due to fatigue rather than constant pressure from leading teams. Lippert articulated a desire for a more aggressive race profile on pivotal climbs, which could have put additional strain on competitors like Kopecky.

Reflecting on the day's outcome, Lippert remarked, “While we’re pleased with our performance, it’s evident that with more pressure, we could have created openings to exploit.” Reusser shared her enthusiasm for Lippert's form, believing she possessed the potential to claim victory: “We’re happy with our third-place finish, but I can't help but feel we could have achieved even more.”

As Movistar prepares for the upcoming Ardennes classics, there’s no doubt that the small pangs of disappointment after the Flanders race will serve as motivation. The team is determined to harness their momentum, ensuring they continue to compete aggressively for future victories.