“It was an explosive start and that suits me,” Campenaerts said right after the first stage in Limburg. “We immediately took off with a big group. Finally, we were with five riders and then Movistar closed the gap because of the points. That is totally different than the normal racing. After that, I ended up in the chasing group.” 

In the second to last lap, Campenearts crossed to the leading group and attacked. 

“When it went just a bit uphill, I attacked. But Carlos Betancur was very strong today. As a team, you have to be in the top eight. Then you may start in the second group on Sunday and you have a chance to win. We were eight points behind on Lotto-Soudal and they had no one in the front, so that motivated me to try it a final time. Finishing fourth today gives a more euphoric feeling then finishing fourth in a normal race.” 

The Hammer event covers three days with a climb, sprint and chase. 

“Racing for the points is nice, especially the shorter races are more attractive. In the Giro there were stages of more than 200 kilometres, which is very easy to control. This was only 70 kilometres. When five riders take off, it is very difficult to control them. That makes it a very attractive race.” 

The cyclists race the Hammer Sprint tomorrow, eight flat circuits of 12.4 kilometres. With every crossing of the finish line, points can be earned. On Sunday, the teams have the last event of three, the Hammer Chase.