Jolien D’Hoore reflects on spring classics and eyes Ardennes opportunities for AG Insurance - Soudal

Jolien D’Hoore reflects on spring classics and eyes Ardennes opportunities for AG Insurance - Soudal

As the Classics season transitions from the cobbles to the hills, Jolien D'Hoore, team manager of AG Insurance - Soudal Team, reflects on a spring campaign marked by collective strength, fighting spirit, and unfortunate setbacks. With key riders Kim Le Court and Justine Ghekiere sidelined, she also looks ahead to the opportunities that lie within the Ardennes Classics.

How do you look back on the Belgian Classics campaign as a team?
I think we can be proud of how we approached the Belgian Classics. Our campaign started strongly with a 7th place at Omloop het Nieuwsblad and a podium in Hageland with Shari. Marthe confirmed her form with a podium in Le Samyn, and we also showed consistency in races like Oetingen and Nokere with top-five results.

At the same time, we can’t ignore the bad luck we faced. Kim had a lot of misfortune in Strade Bianche and Milano-Sanremo, and her crash in Flanders ultimately took her out of contention. Justine also had to stop racing after her crash in Milano-Sanremo and is still recovering from a sacrum injury. On top of that, some riders were affected by illness. Altogether, it meant we couldn’t show our full potential as a team.

What are you most satisfied with in the team’s performances?
I’m especially satisfied with the progress our domestiques have made over the winter. They’ve taken a real step forward, both physically and tactically. That gives us more options in key moments and strengthens the team as a whole heading into the finals.

Were there any specific moments or races that stood out to you?
Not one specific race, but I’m very happy with the consistency of our Classics squad. We were present in many finales, which shows our development.

The team raced aggressively but didn’t always get the results. How do you reflect on that?
That’s part of our philosophy. If you want to win these races, you need to race offensively. Sometimes that means taking risks or spending energy early. We prefer that over waiting and missing the decisive move.

What steps has the team taken compared to last season?
We’ve clearly grown. The depth of the team has improved and there’s more belief in the plan. We’re no longer just reacting, we’re taking initiative, and that’s an important evolution.

What are the main differences between the Flemish Classics and the Ardennes races?
The Flemish races are about positioning, explosiveness and handling on the cobbles. The Ardennes are more selective, with longer climbs and more tactical racing. It’s a different type of effort and requires a different rider profile.

Last year, the team took a major victory with Kim. How do you look back on that day?
That was a very special moment for us. Everything came together perfectly and it showed what we’re capable of when we execute the plan 100%. It still gives me goosebumps. Winning in a race where our main sponsor, AG Insurance, is also involved made it even more meaningful.

Unfortunately Kim Le Court and Justine Ghekiere, wouldn’t be at the start line of the Ardennes, does that change the team’s approach for the Ardennes?

Their absence creates opportunities for others to step up and take responsibility. That’s an important part of our development. Different riders like Lore can take on a more free role and aim for the finals. The Ardennes are less chaotic than the cobbled Classics. Those conditions suit us better and allow our strengths to come through. In the end, these races are very honest, the legs decide.

What are the team’s ambitions going into the Ardennes Classics?
We want to be competitive in every race, be present in the key moments and fight for strong results. After the setbacks of the past weeks, we want to show resilience and prove that we can perform with multiple riders. Instead of focusing on one leader, we’ll go into races with multiple options, which can also make us tactically stronger.

What would define a successful Ardennes campaign for the team?
Being consistently present in the finales, achieving a strong result, and continuing to show progression as a team. If our younger riders can step up, that would be a big success as well.