In the early part of today’s stage, Team Jumbo-Visma tried to join the early breakaway with both De Tier and Bert-Jan Lindeman, but the peloton did not let them go. After De Tier was reeled in, the decisive breakaway was formed. De Tier then tried it again on the climb that was part of the finishing circuit.

“It took a very long time before a leading group was established”, De Tier explained. “Five kilometres before the first intermediate sprint I got away with Tim Wellens. Wellens is a dangerous rider for the overall standings, so they didn’t let us go. We stood our ground until the intermediate sprint and I gathered precious bonification seconds for the overall standings. These can prove very important at the end of this race. The breakaway ultimately made it all the way to the finishline. Sunday is another difficult stage and everything is still possible. I’m feeling good.”