Moreno Hofland sprinted to fifth in the fifth stage of the Giro d’Italia today in Benevento. He was visible in the front of the peloton the whole time during around Benevento thanks to LottoNL-Jumbo’s team work, but was boxed in during the final turn. André Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) shot clear to win the stage.

The stage between Praia a Mare and Benevento was a long one, 233 kilometres. The fifth stage wasn’t only hard because of the length, though. “It was a tricky stage with some tough climbs that weren’t actually climbs in the road book,” Hofland said.

“Everything still went well for us. Maarten Tjallingii brought us to the front just before the final lap and Jos van Emden did a great effort afterwards. Enrico Battaglin kept me in front afterwards so I was able to start the descent in a good position.”

Crash

Team LottoNL-Jumbo was planning for that scenario because of the twisting and turning in the final kilometres. Hofland started the descent in fourth position and maintained it. With 1.5 kilometres to go, a number of riders passed him in a turn and Rein Taaramäe (Katusha) crashed.

“I had to brake more than I wanted to and lost my position,” Hofland continued. “That was a pity because I had strong legs today. This fifth place was the best possible after the crash.”

During the chaotic final kilometres, the peloton split and Steven Kruijswijk lost four seconds. “That’s a shame,” Sports Director Addy Engels added. “He wasn’t with the other men when they led out Moreno. These four seconds are nothing important for the final classification, but we’re working hard every day to bring Steven in position. This is unnecessary.”

Uphill finish

Kruijswijk will have the chance to take revenge already tomorrow when the Giro finishes uphill for the first time. “I’m expecting Steven to finish in front,” Engels concluded. “What he showed yesterday was strong. I’m confident about him being able to finish amongst the best.”