Steven Kruijswijk and George Bennett are both firmly in the top ten of the Volta a Catalunya classification. The two made part of a group of more than 50 riders who split off from the peloton early in the race. The stage ended in a sprint, won by Daryl Impey, and LottoNL-Jumbo’s Kruijswijk crossed the line in 18th.

“The goal was to make some gains in the overall standings with Steven and George, and it worked out,” said Sports Director Grischa Niermann. 

“The team worked hard to increase the gap with the second group including Chris Froome. We hoped the last climb would provide a little more difference. We showed our best today and tomorrow, we’ll try to improve the GC position of Steven and George.''

Already in the beginning of the race, it was all hands on deck for the riders in this mountain stage. The peloton ripped into several groups, Froome the biggest victim. He would end up losing more than 26 minutes on the front group. In the first group, LottoNL-Jumbo was well represented with five men. 

The good performance had its dark side. Birthday boy Martijn Keizer and Bert-Jan Lindeman failed to make the time limit. Tomorrow, the stage race will continue without them. 

“I don’t think Martijn had a nice birthday,” added Niermann. “On the other hand, the rules are there for a reason and we have to accept it.”

Kruijswijk started the day in 10th place, but sits seventh place in the overall standings now, while George Bennett occupies ninth place. They face the final stage tomorrow, 130 kilometres in and around Barcelona.