In the short stage with three major climbs along the way, Kruijswijk was well-positioned by his teammates of Team Jumbo-Visma at the foot of the final climb, after which the Dutchman easily climbed the first. Antwan Tolhoek crashed in one of the descents but was able to continue and finish the stage.

Kruijswijk is happy about his level in his first race of the year. “Yates was too strong today. So unfortunately it wasn’t for the victory today. But I am happy with how things are going and I am happy with my shape at the moment.”

Sports director Frans Maassen had seen a brilliant stage. “It was a tough, but beautiful stage in which a lot happened. There never was a dull moment. Steven was very strong today and he showed this on the climbs and with his third place. He is in a good shape at the moment. Unfortunately, there was nothing we could do against Simon Yates today. The team worked well and brought Steven in an ideal position for the final climb. Unfortunately, Antwan crashed and lost a lot of time, so a good classification will be out of reach.”

With abrasions on his left hip, the Dutch rider from the province of Zeeland finished in a chasing group. He dropped one place and is now fourteenth overall.