Plenty of reasons for Team Jumbo-Visma to celebrate following the conclusion of the Tour of Guangxi. Milan Vader claimed the overall victory for the 2023 edition, while Olav Kooij seized the final stage win in the picturesque streets of Guilin.

Vader, after his impressive GC victory, expressed his happiness: "This win means the world to me. It felt special to have the support of the team here in Guangxi. The Tour of Guangxi is a great race set in a beautiful region. I very much enjoyed the racing and I am overjoyed to claim the overall classification." 

Birthday boy Kooij celebrated his second stage win in Guangxi, saying, "Winning in Guilin is a fantastic way to mark my birthday."

The scenic backdrop of Guilin, with its unique karst landscapes featuring rugged mountains, deep river valleys, and expansive cave systems, added a visual treat to the day's racing. Guangxi's karst landscapes earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014.

In the breakaway, familiar faces like Dries de Bondt (Alpecin - Deceuninck), Jens Reynders (Israel - Premier Tech), Oscar Onley (Team DSM-Fermenich), and Jens Keukeleire (EF Education-EasyPost) enjoyed the stunning scenery, joined later by Rune Herregodts, resulting in a quartet of Belgian riders at the front. 

Frederik Wandahl, who secured the KOM jersey after the opening stage, maintained his grip on it, even though he wasn’t part of the group of escapees today.

“I was committed to keeping this jersey. I am happy to actually doing it. It was a great experience in China”, the rider of Bora-Hansgrohe said. 

De Bondt also shared his excitement after the conclusion of the final stage, winning the sprint classification in Guangxi: “It's been amazing to be in the breakaway basically every stage, and to bring home this jersey as a wonderful souvenir."

The leading group didn't gain much room from the peloton, with Team Jumbo-Visma taking charge of the chase. Ultimately, team leader and red jersey wearer Vader retained the leader's jersey and was crowned the overall winner of this year's Tour of Guangxi. 

Vader reflected on the team's achievements, saying: “Our team had an incredible season, winning all the grand tours and a total of 69 races. This overall victory, along with Olav's stage win today, caps off our amazing year."

With Vader cautiously positioned in the middle of the peloton, the sprinters battled for supremacy one last time in this season's Tour of Guangxi. Juan Sebastian Molano, yesterday's stage winner, and Kooij provided an exciting finish, with Kooij ultimately declared the stage victor. 

Vader summed up his experience after the race: “I've enjoyed my time here in China. I was excited about the Tour of Guangxi from the beginning of the season. Winning here is fantastic. What a race it has been." 

“The Tour of Guangxi is a beautiful race, in a beautiful area and environment. I enjoyed the racing a lot, and I am super happy winning the overall classification.”