The fourth stage of the Tour of Britain ended up in a bunch sprint again. Team LottoNL-Jumbo wasn’t able to play a role in the kick, which Fernando Gaviria (Etixx – Quick Step) won, but they looked forward to tomorrow’s stage.

“This stage ended up the way we expected,” sports director, Nico Verhoeven said. “It finished in a bunch sprint. We had to make it through the stage without any problems. We’re looking at tomorrow. The general classification is going to change in tomorrow’s race. The one who wears the leader’s jersey after that fifth stage will win the Tour of Britain, as well.”

Controlled
Verhoeven thinks that Steven Kruijswijk has a chance to do that. “He is only 22 seconds behind in the general classification and is still among the favourites for the win,” the sports director explained. “Many riders are still able to win the race. Tomorrow’s stage will be controlled until the foot of the last climb. We have to make sure that Steven is in the position to give everything for the stage win at that point.”

“I have to focus at the final climb,” Steven Kruijswijk added. “If I am able to start that last uphill in a good position, I may have a chance to win the stage.

“It was a long, predictable stage today. The second stage this week was a little tougher. I was feeling good in that race, so it would be a good thing for me if tomorrow’s stage becomes as tough as possible.”