“It was the expected outcome of the race with a sprint of a small peloton”, sports director Frans Maassen said. “In principle, it was an ideal race for Danny, but he just didn't have the legs today”, he explained.

“For Robert and George (Bennett), who finished in the first group, it was not possible to avoid a sprint. Strong headwind on the climb wasn't suitable to attack and get away”, Maassen concluded.

George Bennett, who finished in the front group with Gesink, was disappointed about the headwind. “The team has brought us to the climb in a perfect position. I was in a good group over the top of the climb but it wasn’t selective enough. With Danny in a lesser day, we had to improvise.”