Tour de Wallonie: Ben Oliver scores Modern Adventure's first European win in stage 2 sprint finish

Ben Oliver secured a landmark victory for Modern Adventure by winning stage 2 of the Tour de Wallonie, marking the team’s first-ever European triumph. The New Zealand rider outpaced a competitive field in a sprint finish to Libramont-Chevigny, overcoming established sprinters such as Arnaud De Lie and Riley Sheehan. Despite strong lead-out efforts from teams like Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and Lotto-Intermarché, Oliver timed his final burst perfectly, emerging from the barriers to claim the win on a challenging, rain-soaked course. The 191km stage was characterised by a persistent breakaway and a tactical battle among the sprinters’ teams, who controlled the peloton in the closing kilometres. After a long period of attrition, the peloton reeled in the escapees with around 24km remaining, setting the stage for a fast and furious sprint. Oliver’s teammates, including Riley Pickrell and Paul Wright, played a crucial role in positioning him after a near mishap in the final kilometre, enabling him to deliver a decisive finish on an uphill drag to the line. Following his victory, Oliver expressed immense satisfaction at delivering Modern Adventure’s first European win, highlighting the team’s cohesion and determination throughout the season. He acknowledged the difficult weather conditions and credited his teammates for their support during the critical moments of the sprint. The win also saw Oliver take the race leader’s orange jersey, edging ahead of previous stage winner Jordi Meeus on countback. This breakthrough success for Modern Adventure could have wider implications for the team’s ambitions in European racing, signalling their growing competitiveness on the continental stage. With strong performances already evident, the squad may now target further stage wins or overall classifications in upcoming races. Oliver’s triumph at the Tour de Wallonie not only boosts morale but also raises the profile of the New Zealand outfit among the established European teams.