Echelons caused a split in the peloton at fifty kilometres from the finish. In addition to Roosen and Groenewegen, Mike Teunissen was also represented in the first group on behalf of Team Jumbo-Visma.

Roosen looked back on the final with mixed feelings. “Unfortunately, I was not able to join the leader. I gave everything; I didn’t have anything left. We had hoped to take a group to the leader, but he was just too strong. When I found myself alone in the last two kilometres, I went full throttle. The last part went slightly uphill. I hoped that Steimle would get in trouble there, but he kept his speed. I believed in it, but I had to settle for second place.”

“My season started in an unlucky way”, Roosen continued. “But the last few weeks have been going well. I am very happy that the form is back. It would have been nice if I could have rewarded that with a victory today. With this shape, there may be even more to it this year.”

“It was a tough race”, Groenewegen said. “Initially, I was not in the first group. I ultimately reached it on my own, after which Mike and Timo waited for me. Finishing two and three might look a bit stupid, but we still rode a good race. Timo came very close. It’s a shame it didn’t work. There will be another chance tomorrow.”

Then Team Jumbo-Visma will race the Primus Classic.