Moreno Hofland finished sixth in the first stage of the Criterium du Dauphiné today in France. Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s sprinter delivered a strong kick after a tough stage ending. Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) won the stage.

“It didn’t go the way we wanted in the final part of the race,” Sports Director Merijn Zeeman said. “With some improvising, Moreno Hofland arrived in a good position, eventually. He delivered a strong sprint.

“We are working hard to develop the lead-out around Moreno. It was a chaotic stage, which only allowed us a sixth place. I’m expecting he’ll try again in the fourth stage on Thursday, when he could be able to grab a better result.”

Confidence

Hofland explained it went wrong with four kilometres to go. “The first roundabout in the final part of the stage was there, and we wanted to be among the first 20 riders,” he said. “We failed and had to make up ground afterwards. I came out quite well regardless. I began sprinting immediately and took confidence that I moved up to second spot. The finish was a bit too far, unfortunately, so a couple of riders were able to pass me. I’m disappointed about the way this stage went, but satisfied with my sprint.”

On Tuesday, the Criterium du Dauphiné heads into the mountains with a finish up the Chalmazal-Jeansagnière climb.