Team LottoNL-Jumbo gave everything they had to lead-out Moreno Hofland in the 13th stage of the Giro d’Italia in Jesolo. Its work helped the Dutchman place seventh behind winner Sacha Modolo (Lampre – Merida).

Due to continued heavy rain in the north of Italy, Team LottoNL-Jumbo was constantly in the front of the peloton.

“The men were where they needed to be”, Sports Director Frans Maassen explained.They profited from that since a crash happened with 3.3 kilometres remaining.

“Almost all of our riders were able to pass without any damage, only Rick Flens crashed. A chainring got him. He is suffering because of that, but he is a tough one, so I expect that he will be able to start again tomorrow.”

Little mistake
Moreno Hofland wasn’t impeded by the chaos and was able to prepare for the sprint.

“He was well placed,” Maassen said. “I only think that he made a little mistake in the last turn. He was boxed in. If he would have been able to push through, he could have finished in the top four.”

“I tried to move up in a roundabout,” Hofland added. “I should have done that earlier. I was held back as a result because a gap with the first five riders arose. That’s a pity, I could have done better.”

Well prepared
On Saturday, the riders face a 59.4-kilometre individual time trial. Team LottoNL-Jumbo is well prepared.

“Mathieu Heijboer explored the time trial a month ago,” Maassen said. “We have the images and detailed profiles. We have to wait for Rick’s recovery, but he and Martijn Keizer should be able to deliver a good time trial.”