Remarkable New Zealand cyclist Ben Oliver has clinched the first major UCI Tour victory for his new Modern Adventure Cycling team after claiming overall honours in the five-stage Tour de Wallonie in Belgium.
Oliver muscled his way in a powerful sprint to claim the final stage dash to secure the overall general classification title in his first season on the UCI Tour.
The North Canterbury rider, better known for his exploits as a mountain biker and criterium racer, out-muscled a group of five on the fifth and final stage in Aubel, Belgium.
Oliver joined the new American UCI Pro Team this year, with the organisation established by American George Hincapie, a former World Tour cycling star.
“I’m really proud of all the guys this week - riders and staff. We were put in a new position by winning stage two and taking the overall lead, and the guys all stepped up. In fact, not only did they step up, but they took control," said Hincapie.
After an undulating and rainy 176km final stage, local Belgium hope Arnaud De Lie and Oliver, both GC contenders, went head-to-head in a group of five after surviving a crash in the final 150 metres.
Oliver came around De Lie with 50m to go to throw his hands up for the victory.
“Absolutely insane week,” said Oliver. “I couldn’t have expected this at the start. We just went all-in for the last stage win, survived the climbs, skipped the bonus sprints and in the final sprint and I followed the right wheel. I can’t thank the boys enough for all of their support this week. What a ride.”
Fellow kiwi Laurence Pithie was a contender going into the final stage but the Red Bull BORA Hansgrohe World Tour rider was caught in the crash and had to settle for fourth overall.
The win follows success for New Zealand riders in this race, with WorldTour rider Corbin Strong winning the overall honours last year.
Oliver has enjoyed success over a range of cycling ventures. He is a well-credentialed mountain biker, winning the silver medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. He has win numerous mountain bike events in New Zealand and last year completed the six-day Cape Epic MTB event in South Africa with brother Craig.
He has won the New Zealand Criterium Championship on the road and last year claimed the overall criterium honours on the North American circuit with the NZ Cycling Project team. Earlier this year Oliver impressed in training with the Cycling New Zealand track squad, before deciding on the opportunity to join the new American road cycling pro team.
Ben Oliver on the podium at the Tour de Wallonie. (Credit: Modern Adventure Cycling)