A big breakaway group of more than 40 riders got clear at the beginning of the stage. It quickly became clear that some attentive GC riders were present. Together with Astana and the UAE Team Emirates, Team Jumbo-Visma avoided any serious damage.

Sports director Grischa Niermann was relieved that the stage was finished. “It was a very nervous day. A group around fifty riders got clear after we'd raced just two kilometres. We were there, but not with Primoz. After the group got a few minutes, we knew that a hard and difficult day was coming up. It was not a good day for our team. We have to be thankful to other teams for their help. Fortunately, Primoz is still in a very good position.”

Roglic conceded that he had made a mistake at the start of the race. “It was a very hard stage. I have made a mistake which I really have to learn from. I wasn’t in the place that I should have been. The team made a big effort and helped me out. However, I never panicked. Luckily were are still in a very good position. We lost today’s battle but of course not the war. I think there will be more battles between the GC riders the upcoming days."