Dutch riders Mike Teunissen and Lauren Molengraaf, two representatives of the structure of Intermarché-Circus-Wanty on the final day of the European Championships this Sunday, both played a major role on their home soil, finishing in the top ten of their respective road races.
After Madis Mihkels (4th) and Francesco Busatto (7th) in the U23 road race on Friday, Lauren Molengraaf achieved seventh place in the the junior race this Sunday morning. It was the last race in the category for the young Dutch woman, who will celebrate her eighteenth birthday soon and step up to the U23 category.
In the afternoon, her compatriot Mike Teunissen played a major role for the Dutch selection and its leader Olav Kooij. In the last race hour, Teunissen accelerated several times until he was also part of the decisive movement with two laps or 30 kilometer to go.
As part of a leading group of ten riders, Teunissen contributed to distance the chasers and then rode in service of Kooij in the final lap. Behind his compatriot who won the bronze medal, Teunissen crossed the line in fifth place, nine seconds behind the winner.
"The plan of the Dutch team was clear, keeping Olav Kooij in the forefront for the purpose of a sprint. The parcours was probably underestimated by many, the nervousness and several crashes finally isolated a group of ten strong riders. This situation was perfect for us. Collectively we rode a flawless race, but we had to deal with Christophe Laporte and a strong Belgian team. I can be satisfied about my contribution to our team performance. I am now looking forward with great ambition to several Walloon classics with my teammates of Intermarché-Circus-Wanty!"
