Written by Btt Rookies at 12:35 21/9-2025
Reporter: Robert, first of all congratulations. Rhett Leavy has just secured third place in the Friedrichshafen Zeitfahrt, only a few seconds off second. How are you feeling about today’s performance?
Robert : Thanks. Honestly, I’m really proud of Rhett. This course was flat and exposed, and with that 6.1 m/s wind, pacing was everything. He rode smart, stayed calm, and delivered exactly the kind of performance we wanted. A podium here means a lot for us.
Reporter: Jacobus Frans from Tinkers Team seemed unbeatable today—fastest at every split. Was Rhett’s goal always to aim for the podium, or were you targeting the win?
Robert: Look, Jacobus was flying out there. You can see he had tailored his whole build-up to this specific time trial. For Rhett, we knew victory would be a tall order, but we told him: ride your own race, hit your splits, and let the numbers guide you. To come so close to second—just a few seconds—that’s a massive success.
Reporter: The conditions looked tricky with the wind. How did you prepare Rhett for that?
Robert: We emphasized positioning and pacing. On a flat course like this, aerodynamics is king. Rhett executed our plan perfectly—he didn’t burn himself up too early, and he stayed low and efficient even when the crosswinds tested him. That discipline made the difference between being on the podium and being fifth or sixth.
Reporter: With this result, what does it mean for Rhett and for Team BTT Rookies moving forward?
Robert: It shows that Rhett is growing into a real GC and time trial contender. For the team, it proves we can line up against strong squads like Tinkers and Partisan1984 and still put ourselves on the podium. It boosts morale, and it gives Rhett the confidence to aim even higher in the next races.
Reporter: Final question—if Rhett had those extra seconds to catch Lúcio Buso for second, where do you think they slipped away?
Robert: (laughs) That’s bike racing, isn’t it? Maybe one corner taken a little too safely, or a small hesitation in the final kilometer. But honestly, I’d rather Rhett learn from this and stay hungry. He’ll be back, and next time those seconds might swing his way.
Reporter: Robert, earlier we spoke about Rhett Leavy’s podium in the Friedrichshafen Zeitfahrt. Now, only hours later, Vicen?iu Bute has gone on the attack in Kirchbach and finished second. Two podiums for BTT Rookies in one day—how do you even begin to sum that up?
Robert: (smiles) It’s been an incredible day for us. First Rhett proving himself against the clock, and then Vicen?iu showing pure fighting spirit in the mountains—it’s the perfect showcase of what this team is about. Two very different races, two very different riders, and yet both standing on the podium.
Reporter: Does this feel like a turning point for the team?
Robert: I’d call it a statement. We’re no longer just participants—we’re contenders. Today proves that whether it’s on the flat against the wind or on brutal climbs in the rain, BTT Rookies can deliver.
Reporter: Let's focus on Vicentiu Bute. He went in the breakaway with Drake Perusse after just 18 km. Was that part of the plan, or pure instinct from your rider?
Robert: That was very much Vicen?iu’s instinct. We’d discussed that the Kirchbach profile—with relentless climbs and no flat—was perfect for aggressive racing. When Drake lit it up early, Vicen?iu saw the opportunity and didn’t hesitate. That’s the kind of rider he is—fearless and willing to suffer.
Reporter: The break held strong for so long, but in the end Eilert Olin managed to out-sprint Vicen?iu. Do you think there was anything he could have done differently?
Robert: Look, Vicen?iu opened up the sprint, and in those conditions—rain, steep gradients, and fatigue from 100+ km on the attack—it was always going to be brutal. Olin had the fresher kick in the final meters, and sometimes that’s just racing. If Vicen?iu had waited half a second longer, maybe it’s a different story. But I won’t fault him. He fought like a lion.
Reporter: Bute seemed to do a huge share of the work in that breakaway. Was that part of his downfall in the sprint?
Robert: Possibly. He was incredibly generous with his turns, especially once Drake began to struggle. But that’s also why the break survived as long as it did. Without Vicen?iu’s engine, maybe they all get swallowed by the peloton, and we’re not even talking about a podium. He gave himself the chance to win, and that’s what matters.
Reporter: The final climb was brutal. How did Vicen?iu prepare for such a finish?
Robert: He’s been sharpening his climbing legs for exactly these kinds of stages. Kirchbach doesn’t give you a single moment of flat road—it’s just up or down. The last steep climb is perfect for a rider who thrives in rhythm changes, and Vicen?iu thrives there. He showed today he’s not just a support rider—he can lead and challenge for wins.
Reporter: What does this performance mean for Team BTT Rookies?
Robert: It shows our DNA. We don’t just sit in the peloton waiting for things to happen. We animate races. Today, Vicen?iu carried our colors at the front for more than 100 kilometers, sprinted for the win, and came away with second. That’s a statement. And believe me—he’s hungry for more.
Reporter: Final word—how’s Vicen?iu feeling after missing the win by such a small margin?
Robert: He’s disappointed, of course. Any rider would be. But second place after such a courageous ride—it’s something he’ll be proud of once the sting fades. And I can promise you, the next time he gets in a breakaway, everyone will think twice before letting him go.
Reporter: Robert, thank you.
Robert: Always a pleasure.
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Comments
I thought that with 2 results today it was merited:)
It doesn't happen often!
2 press releases in 5 days, talking about ambition and dedication ;-)
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