“It was very tough today,” Kruijswijk said. “It was a long day with a lot of climbing. I tried to be with the best uphill again and was hoping to pick up some extra points for the mountain classification. That didn’t turn out exactly the way I wanted it to, but I was strong enough to finish fifth again in the end. That is the most important thing for me.

“I want to finish top 10 in the general classification, either way. I will not be able to attack at the Cima Coppi, tomorrow when you look at that stage. I will be quiet and I’m going to try to follow the best climbers again.”

Two ideas
“That Steven was able to finish fifth again shows that he is very strong,” sports director, Frans Maassen said. “We’re a little bit between two ideas at this moment. On the one hand, we really want to win the mountain classification, but besides that, we’re trying to finish as good as possible in the general classification. He lost the mountain jersey today, unfortunately. To attack isn’t an option for Steven anymore because they won’t give him enough space, but he can still win the mountain jersey.”

Proud
Kruijswijk could win a lot in Saturday’s stage. “He can move up in the general classification,” Maassen continued. “We are very proud of Steven. He is going to finish in the top 10 now, and he forced it all by himself by brave performances and long breakaways at first. Now, he’s able to keep quiet and possibly become one of the best climbers.”