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Lessons learned and good things seen: Intermarché-Lotto takes stock of the Algarve week

With the Volta ao Algarve now behind them, the final run-up to Opening Weekend and the classics has begun. For Arnaud De Lie it was a last test ahead of Omloop, and for Jarno Widar the same in preparation for Strade Bianche. “We’re eager to get started.”
Race 22 February 2026
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Intermarché-Lotto wrapped up the Tour of the Algarve with a strong seventh place for Jarno Widar on the Alto do Malhão. After finishing nineteenth earlier this week, he now adds his name to an impressive top-ten list alongside top riders. Ahead of him are names such as Juan Ayuso and João Almeida, while he finishes ahead of Daniel Martínez, Kévin Vauquelin and Dylan Van Baarle. Widar’s result is an encouraging sign for the team, which leaves the Algarve without a victory. “But with a handful of lessons for Opening Weekend and, by extension, the rest of the spring classics,” says performance manager Aike Visbeek.

The Volta ao Algarve proved to be an excellent dress rehearsal for the Flemish spring. There was climbing, sprinting, and Portugal even has some cobbles. It was also the ideal week for the classics squad to build cohesion. “We shouldn’t forget that nearly half of the team is new,” says Visbeek. “Jarno Widar has just turned professional, and Huub Artz and Luca Van Boven join the ‘Lotto boys’ in this new team as former Intermarché-Wanty riders. We therefore had two clear goals this week. First, to take a physical step toward Opening Weekend and the next block of climbing races. Second, to become better attuned to each other as a team.”

The team looks back with satisfaction on the work that was done. “The form of both De Lie and Widar, as well as the other guys, is trending upward. And regarding that second point, I saw good things as well as areas for improvement. Positioning, for example, still needs to be better. We’ll take that with us. It was important to race together with teammates this week. Also for Jarno, who made a strong debut here this week against the big teams and big names. Physically he’s not at his peak level yet, but he learned a lot from Liam Slock, and the two of them will also ride the Strade–Trofea Laigueglia block together. I’m optimistic. We head into the classics with a hungry mindset.”

 

Picture: PhotoNews