“When you are there on the start line and you’ve been former world champion, it doesn’t matter if you start last line or first line, you know everybody is expecting something from you. Even if it’s the first time in two years that you’re racing people are still expecting something."
"We are excited to have managed to bring together a group of some of the most talented and determined athletes from around the globe to further develop and strengthen our team for the future."
"We had the idea to split the bunch in the early crosswind section but in the end the winds weren't strong enough"
"To have a short hilly race is a good way to start back into the pre-season."
"Together we’re adding a new dimension to women’s cycling and professional sport in general"
"I knew every corner and every rock. I knew it was impossible that someone could go faster than me on this part of the course."
"I am a little disappointed but I am pleased with how I raced. It was a really cool and fun race and I enjoyed it a lot."
"I think it's most likely a small group will come to the line for the finish."
"Looking at the previous races a lot of the riders that were high up at the first split tended to do well overall so I wanted to out pretty hard."
"We lost some concentration on the downhill after that main climb. We were just not fast enough into the city and in the final part of the race."
"Everyone searching for what can be done better and how we can improve. You look even more for your teammates because there is this one goal, you want everyone to give their best."
"For me 2018 is a learning curve. I am looking forward to having different roles and experimenting with my racing."
"For the first time in my life I'm happy about what I have done. There's a lot of emotions. This third place is the best victory of my career."
“It’s the first ever saddle I can use with no pain at all.” ~ Pauline Ferrand-Prévot.
"It's disappointing but that's bike racing."
"I feel positive and confident but at the same time I'm keeping the pressure off."
"The stages have your typical Belgium spring classics feel to them, minus the tough spring weather."
“I had a gut feeling to attack on the first climb of the day – 3km into the race. It seems a bit silly to go so early, but I trusted my instinct and went for it."
" I rode passed my breakaway companions on a climb, thinking they would follow me. I looked back and realised I was alone"