Operating as a tight collective, Team Jumbo-Visma rode a very strong race. Initially, Danny van Poppel was part of the first group after the Oude Kwaremont. Team Jumbo-Visma tried to catch it for a bunch sprint with Van der Hoorn, Wynants, Jansen and Van Poppel, but came short in the final.

Timo Roosen crashed badly in the run-up to the Oude Kwaremont and had to abandon the race and was taken to the hospital. A large wound on his right knee had to be stitched under anesthesia. Therefore Roosen will spend the night in hospital.

“It was a tough race, but a nice fight. The boys gave it their best, but Jungels was simply the strongest”, Groenewegen said. “It was a hectic final. Jungels is a good time trialist, so you know that it is going to be difficult to close the gap. In the end, there were a few more who attacked and you also have to gamble a bit. We rode a very strong race, but we had come here to win. That did not work out. The legs felt good and the feeling in the sprint was good too. That gives confidence for the coming weeks.”

Sports director Grischa Niermann concurred with his team leader. “The boys are not to be blamed for anything. They gave their maximum. After the hill zone, it did not look that good with only Danny in the leading group, but that situation was quickly corrected. With several teams we tried to close the gap to Jungels, but he was just too strong.”