Dylan Groenewegen has finished sixth in the opening stage of the Tour de France. The 25-year-old sprinter of LottoNL-Jumbo had to come from afar in the final kilometre to threaten stage winner Gaviria. However, Groenewegen will wear Gaviria’s white jersey of best young rider tomorrow.

The stage through the Vendée was characterized by the traditional early breakaway. It got a maximum of four minutes. Particularly due to Robert Gesink’s hard labour, the leading group was caught in the last ten kilometres.

Groenewegen was perfectly positioned by Paul Martens, Timo Roosen and Amund Grondahl Jansen. “I didn’t have the power today”, the resident of Amsterdam said. “I didn’t have the legs that I’ve had all year. The team did an excellent job and I actually felt good all day. It was only after the crash of Démare that I didn’t have enough power anymore and couldn’t start my sprint in the position I wanted. Of course that’s disappointing, but we’re going to try again tomorrow.”

Gesink presented himself in a different role than usual. “Dylan has shown that he’s good all year. He’ll definitely show it too in this Tour”, said Gesink, who guided the peloton for about hundred and eighty kilometres. “This role is a bit new for me, but on days like today I just enjoy my work. It’s a pleasure to do.”